Upward Bound Program Gains $337K Grant
Federal funds enable SHU program to carry on helping Bridgeport students thrive
Upward Bound, Sacred Heart University’s longest federally funded program, has received a $337,052 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding will assist in the continuation of Upward Bound’s mission to aid students as they go through high school and to increase the number of grauates who continue their studies at the next level.
“To date, we’ve brought in approximately 8.7 million to the University,” said Carylanne Rice-Ehalt, Upward Bound executive director at SHU.
Upward Bound is a college preparatory program that has been on campus for more than 33 years and operates all year long. During the school year, staff members help students master core academic concepts and improve social skills through one-on-one counseling. Students also benefit from individual tutoring, SAT preparation, peer interactions, cultural enrichment trips, college fair visits, workshops and scholarship opportunities.
The crux of the program occurs from June to August. Students spend six intensive weeks on campus, taking high school courses and introductory, college-level courses that expose them to possible college majors and careers.
Upward Bound works with Bridgeport youth ages 13 to 19 who are considered underserved or first-generation college students. They must be enrolled at one of Bridgeport’s three high schools or Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet High School.
Many alums go on have fulfilling, professional careers, with graduates including doctors, professors and multicultural council members.
“I've been here so long that I’m seeing alumni’s kids in the program,” said Rice-Ehalt. “The great thing is that they do come back, and they support the program fully. That’s been really neat!”
With an anticipated increase in its funding expected for 2023, the future looks bright for Upward Bound.
Photo captions: (Top) Upward Bound students study properties of "slime" in a chemistry class with instructor Pat DeCoster. (Below) A cultural enrichment day at Lake Compounce.
