Upward Bound: Program at USD Boosts Local Students' College Preparation

Upward Bound: Program at USD Boosts Local Students' College Preparation

Upward Bound studentsUSD TRiO Upward Bound is hosting 50 nearby Kearny High School students in a summer residential program.

At the University of San Diego, learning does not end with graduation ceremonies and the start of summer. Rather, it comes alive with a new wave of students eager to succeed.

The USD TRiO Upward Bound (UB) program welcomed 50 students who attend nearby Kearny High School for a six-week summer residential program. This TRiO program is intended to increase high school graduation rates for low-income and/or first-generation-eligible-for-college high school students, and to increase the rate at which they enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions.

USD UB is part of USD’s Institute of College Initiatives, which also includes USD TRiO Student Support Services, TRiO McNair Scholars and the Black Student Resource Center programs. The success of USD’s UB program was most recently validated in May when USD officials learned that for the fifth consecutive five-year cycle, UB has been funded by the U.S. Department of Education. What that means, simply, is that the USD UB program can provide students the resources and support they need to succeed. 

Dr. Cynthia Villis, assistant provost and founder of the Institute of College Initiatives, and Shelley Barajas-Leyva, director of USD TRiO Upward Bound, speak highly of the program and all of the opportunities they can provide for students. Each UB participant takes four courses taught by credentialed high school instructors and program staff. USD UB invites its alumni — who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, universities — to serve as interns, resident advisors, instructors or directors as in Barajas-Leyva’s case. 

A focus on academics is key for UB. One of the students’ core classes is public speaking, which culminates in having an open mic night, one of the many summer program events. Organized and facilitated by UB students themselves, these events allow students to take on leadership roles. There are many different features of UB that provide participants with the tools to do well in school, such as tutoring, identity formation, motivational speakers, as well as social connections.

Barajas-Leyva, a TRiO UB alumna, highlighted one of the amazing features of Upward Bound. 

“At every meal, we train the students in nutrition and a balance of components for their breakfast, lunch and dinner. We record that fact and then, the USDA, through the California Department of Education and the Summer Food Service Program, reimburses the program $1-$1.50 for each eligible student’s meal,” she said. Furthermore, UB teaches students financial literacy by way of their meals. Each student receives a meal card and is responsible for balancing a budget for their meals for the duration of the program.

Through the help of robust sponsors, the program carefully allots funding to one of its many cultural activities or field trips. This year Upward Bound did a college tour to the University of California, Santa Barbara, thus giving students a feel for a different school that's not too far from home.

Villis, who has written all five of the successful Upward Bound grant proposals of over $1 million each, spoke of the influence USD has in its community, especially for its Upward Bound students.

“How do external funds shape USD? In this instance, USD becomes an annual host and helper to 60 high school students and their families who want success in college as the ultimate outcome,” Villis said. “USD UB helps them in this journey together, and they depend upon each other as resources, too. The Department of Education funds help to support the university as an anchor institution, a helper, in its own neighborhood.”

Over breakfast one morning, enthusiastic UB participants Maria Alvarado, Irix Esquig, Ivy San Pablo, Ravin Martin and Ellen Le happily shared what they’ve enjoyed about UB Summer 2017. “Independence, learning how to face challenges in college, teamwork, comfort, bonding, learning new skills, improving communication skills, facing fears, SAT prep, and family-friendly. Spirit weeks are fun: creative, RAs and students collaborate. Field trips are also fun and engaging!”

Across their years of high school, students grow close and develop bonds that are maintained throughout the academic year. Surrounding themselves with like-minded peers, they are motivated to work hard, and want to be accepted back into the next UB summer residential program to continue to grow together. UB is an inspiration, and an opportunity for USD to partner with Linda Vista in exceptional outcomes for many in the community.

— Abigail Lombardo ’17