RLC Upward Bound successfully completes the 2026 Summer Program

INA, Ill. (August 20, 2026) — Rend Lake College’s Upward Bound summer program recently wrapped up five weeks of academic enrichment and hands-on learning, setting up local high school students for future success.

Twenty students from Benton, Hamilton County, Zeigler-Royalton and Mt. Vernon high schools attended daily sessions on campus from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Throughout the program, participants completed coursework in English, Math, Science, Latin, Sign Language, and a dedicated career exploration project.

"We are proud of all of our students who have worked hard to complete this program," said Dara Whaley, Director of TRiO Services. "I wish each and every one of them success in this coming school year."

A large group of Upward Bound students and staff, all wearing matching light blue t-shirts, pose together on a concrete sidewalk on the Purdue University campus. Behind them stands a tall, abstract metal loop sculpture set against green campus lawns, trees, and university buildings.

^{Upward Bound students stand in front of the iconic metal loop sculpture during a campus visit to Purdue University.}

An additional nine Upward Bound students took a full college-credit course to gain an early advantage on their higher education journey. Beyond the classroom, the summer experience allowed students to build connections with peers, faculty and staff in a supportive environment

A group of Upward Bound students and staff, all wearing matching green t-shirts, pose for a photo together outside the brick facade of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum. Some group members are kneeling in the front row while others stand behind them in front of the museum's black and red logo sign.

^{Upward Bound students take a group photo outside of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum.}

To celebrate their hard work, the summer program concluded with an educational trip to Indianapolis from July 14–16. Students explored several regional landmarks and cultural sites, including the Lucas Oil Stadium, Purdue University, Conner Prairie, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, Historic ghost tour, Indianapolis Zoo and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum.

A massive green and beige hot air balloon emblazoned with the words "Conner Prairie" floats high in a clear blue sky. A large, circular gondola carrying a group of Upward Bound students in blue shirts hangs suspended below the balloon as it hovers over lush green trees and a red building.

^{Upward Bound students take to the skies in the Conner Prairie hot air balloon during their end-of-summer trip to Indianapolis.}

A large group of Upward Bound students and leaders wearing matching blue t-shirts line up outside a museum building. Large outdoor banners hang behind them advertising IMAX, a "Cats & Dogs" exhibit, and the "I Am Wild" Charley Harper exhibit at the Indiana State Museum.

^{Upward Bound students get ready to watch the live action movie, "Moana," in an IMAX Theater.}

The Upward Bound Academic Year program resumes in September with weekly tutoring and monthly activities, including college visits and cultural trips, such as an upcoming excursion to the Fox Theatre in St. Louis.

For more information about the Upward Bound program, visit rlc.edu/upward-bound or call (618) 437-5321 ext. 1326.

By: Kendra Gregory , gregoryk@rlc.edu

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