Upward Bound program at ACU receives renewal grant For immediate release June 3, 1999 Abilene Christian University's Upward Bound program has been awarded a federal grant in the amount of $238,000. This grant is a renewal of the grant received five years ago to begin and maintain the Upward Bound program. Bernadette Boglin, director of Upward Bound, said she is excited about the renewal of the federal grant because it means that her program is being rewarded for its success. Upward Bound is a program designed to equip and motivate economically disadvantaged high school students who are potential first-generation college graduates. Fifty students from Abilene high and Cooper high schools participate in this program. For 23 Saturdays during the school year, participants come to ACU for tutorials, enrichment courses and educational trips. "We expose them to different educational opportunities and cultural events by providing the resources they wouldn't otherwise have," Boglin said. On June 1, the 50 students began their miniature college experience which includes living in ACU dorms for five weeks. During these five weeks, they also take enrichment courses, attend workshops and experience cultural activities. Throughout the year, the students in Upward Bound travel to different colleges in Texas to visit and learn about them. This summer, Boglin is planning a train trip to Chicago and Michigan in order for the students to visit Northwestern University and Michigan State University. Each year a number of senior students from the program have been accepted by ACU with numerous scholarships and others have gone to different universities throughout Texas. Boglin has seen students' grade point averages and SAT/ACT scores rise. "Overall, they have gained a great deal of knowledge through our program," Boglin said. --30-- If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692. Last update: June 3, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/990603-upward.html