Upward Bound celebrates 10th year of helping students academically, personally

As a first generation college student, Detroit freshman Amanda Johnson never imagined herself in college. Yet, through the UB program, she narrowed her focus during her high school senior year.

“I didn’t know how the process would be to get into college, I didn’t know what an ACT test was” Johnson said.

After spending several summers at CMU, Johnson decided to attend.

“After graduation I plan on student teaching, then going straight into my career,” she said.

Through Central Michigan University’s diversity unit “Upward Bound,” students can open their own doors to succeed – where otherwise, they might have been closed.

The Upward Bound program is celebrating 10 years of service as a college preparation program that provides tutoring, academic advising, community service, early intervention methods, and many other programs. There are more than 800 UB programs throughout the United States that assist low-income, first- generation college students and disabled individuals from middle school through postbaccalaureate programs.

This program is part of The Federal TRIO programs that are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, focused on outreach and student services to assist those from disadvantaged backgrounds. UB is one of largest programs of the eight TRIO programs. UB Director Montisa Watkins said students are exposed to college, careers, and the persistence needed to succeed.

“Upward Bound is one of a few proven programs available to help students overcome the class, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education,” Watkins said.

CMU’s program is stationed both at The Detroit International Academy, 9026 Woodward Ave in Detroit, and CMU’s Campus Office in Warriner Hall. They focus their work on high school students at the Detroit International Academy for Young Women and the Frederick Doulgass Academy for Young men.

Johnson thinks if people are given a chance they can succeed at life.

“The program helps many students who don’t really have the opportunity for resources to go to college, and to succeed you need to have an education.”

An inspiration

Detroit freshman Alexis Bailey is only 18, yet garners the respect of peers and elders as a first-generation college student.

“I feel like I am an inspiration to my family and friends,” Bailey said.

Before entering the program, Bailey had a 3.6 grade point average but had some troubles in school.

“Before the program I was bad. I was always smart, the program just gave me that extra push to do what I needed to do,” Bailey said.

After the program she had 4.0. She eventually wants to become a judge and hopes to make the program proud.

“I want to let them know they succeeded in helping me out,” she said.

Nothing is impossible

Detroit senior Fatima Sylvertooth knows about having motivation and the importance of also having hope.

“When I was in the program it shed hope to my future helping me to understand that there is more to life than my neighborhood,” Sylvertooth said. “I’ve learned to take responsibility in the things you value; and my education was one of them.”

With a few more years of experience in college, Sylvertooth wants to tell younger students what they want is attainable.

“The only limit we have in life is the one we set for ourselves, others can believe in us, but we must also believe in ourselves,” she said.

While growing up, Sylvertooth had challenges of her own and was sometimes discouraged.

“I though I was supposed to fail, and I didn’t understand why (UB) cared so much, the only person in my family who was my biggest encouragement was my mom,” Sylvertooth said.