The Upward Bound program at MCC is a federally-funded academic enrichment program for high school students living in Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Webster Counties of western Kentucky. Our mission is:
- To improve academic skills of participants
- To motivate students to matriculate to post-secondary institutions
- To provide educational opportunities not typically available to disadvantaged youth
- To further students' personal, social, cultural and academic development
- To enhance the academic relationships between students, parents and educators
The program, which requires a strong commitment from the students and their parents, provides intensive, ongoing service to participants to ensure their success in preparing for college. Participants usually begin during their freshman year and remain with the program throughout high school.
We serve 110 students in two grants and offer the following services:
- Weekly meetings at the students' high school. These mentoring sessions offer interactive workshops on life skills including self-management, wellness, networking, and relaxation.
- Monthly meetings at MCC with all UB students that focus on ACT test preparation. Group activities and dinner are also offered.
- Campus visits and cultural enrichment trips throughout the year.
- A six week summer program. This program offers instruction in academic classes with the goal of preparing the student for the next school year. Elective classes, reading groups, cultural enrichment trips, campus visits, group activities, and much more take place during this program.