Every summer, Upward Bound facilitates a seven-week summer program that offers students five noncredit courses at the College, exposing them to different college class settings and academic areas. This year, students took courses in mathematics, language arts, Swahili, biotechnology, yoga and a senior seminar course for the students entering their senior year.
In the mathematics course with Ms. Dionne Willis, students got the chance to brush-up on some essential skills by participating in math games, using online math programs to supplement their learning, and working together on presentations.
“I love Ms. D because she always cares about me learning math and helping me with my work,” noted 10th grader Evelyn Oliva-Pineda.
The 10th Grade Mathematics Class, left to right: Jalyn Hill, Instructor Dionne Willis and Tyeenia Chapple-Hicks
Language Arts with assistant professor Jason Esters focused on social justice. Students were tasked with writing a full essay by the end of the summer on a social issue important to them.
Swahili class with adjunct instructor Beatrice Bolger took students on a new journey this summer.
“I was really nervous to learn a new language but it’s my favorite class. It’s so much fun,” said 11th grader Heavin Akins. Professor Bolger brought energy to students’ mornings with traditional Swahili songs and conversational practice. Upward Bounders got to learn the Swahili alphabet, choose their own Swahili names and present an all-Swahili group slideshow at the end of the summer.
The 11th Grade Swahili Class, left to right, Jorj LeMay, Heavin Akins, Oliver Findley, Ismaela Shabazz, Glory Sumpter, Robert Reid, Mamadou Bah, Guangxian Lin, Instructor Beatrice Bolger, Ka Ming Lui, Najah Thomas, Tutor-Counselor Joseph Patrick, Xiania Price and Maimouna Bah.
Biotechnology with Ms. Kimberly Franzon provided students with an exciting laboratory experience with real-world science applications. One of Franzon’s goals this summer was to give abstract scientific ideas a direct application to real science careers so that students could better connect with the materials. Experiments included making lactose-free milk and modeling DNA out of candy.
Yoga was a welcomed addition to the summer schedule. Students didn’t know what to think at first, but once they had their first week of class with Ms. Marysel Jones, they couldn’t wait to come back for more! Students learned the Asana poses to challenge their physical strength, and focused on their internal and mental strengths through breathing and meditative practices. They researched the history of the practice and “found their own goddesses” with which to connect their strengths.
“Ms. Marysel was so nice, and it was a lot of fun doing the stretches and watching everyone compete to have the best poses,” said 12th grader Emily Yang.
The 11th grade yoga course in action with the modified warrior pose.
Lastly, Upward Bound seniors spent their afternoon in a senior seminar with the director of Upward Bound, Aimie Contarino, Joseph Madanat, education coordinator. Seniors got a head start on their college applications by working on their personal statements, résumés and college research. By the end of the summer, each senior left with a finished résumé, a fifth draft of their personal statements and a list of 5 to 10 colleges to which they are interested in applying.