INA, Ill. (August 6, 2024) — The RLC TRiO Upward Bound program, a federally funded college preparatory program for high school students, has successfully completed their 2024 summer program. This summer session had a total of 41 students taking Upward Bound classes, which consisted of Math, Science, English, Latin and American Sign Language.
"I absolutely loved the summer program," said Brooklyn Reaney, a student at Zeigler Royalton High School. "I got to make new friends and new memories that I will cherish forever. I learned ASL and it was definitely my favorite class, it was so fun and interactive. Instead of staying at home, I got to go to the summer program and have fun and it made my summer so much better.”
Upward Bound also had 4 students who took a full credit RLC Dual Enrollment class, as well as 2 scholars who graduated from high school in May and chose to take a “Bridge Class", full credit RLC class funded by Upward Bound.
Upward Bound Chicago Trip:
Upward Bound takes on the Windy City
The highlight of the 2023-24 Upward Bound program was their end-of-the-year reward trip for the summer program's students. This year, 34 students and 4 chaperones made their way to Chicago, Ill. to partake in a variety of educational and cultural activities, including: the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Gino’s Famous deep-dish pizza, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Millennium Park, Chicago Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Medieval Times Dinner Theater and the Adler Planetarium.
“My favorite part of the Chicago trip was making new friends that I never would have thought I would talk to until we were together and had the opportunity to hang around each other," said Emma Garrison, an Upward Bound student. "I also enjoyed the museums we went to and exploring the interactive parts to some of the exhibits.”
Upward Bound on the Chicago Architecture River Cruise
"My favorite part of the trip was the cruise," said Benton High School student, Aliya Barkley. "It was so cool to see all of the buildings in Chicago and I got a good idea of the city's culture.”
On the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, students were able to learn about Chicago’s most famous buildings and view the skyline from the Chicago River.
Upward Bound at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. It is home to numerous hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.
"I liked getting to visit amazing museums and enjoying so many new experiences,” said Levi Moore from Benton.
Upward Bound sees the Bean (Cloud Gate)
“My favorite part of Chicago was the scenery," said Upward Bound student Amaya Stanley. "There were so many places dedicated to art and it was so beautiful to me.”
The Bean is public art in the middle of Chicago. The sculpture is one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations and is Chicago’s most iconic sight.
Upward Bound End-of-the-Year Talent Show:
At the end of the summer program, Upwards Bound hosts a talent show where students can highlight their talents in a short performance. This year, students showcased their talents through singing, playing musical instruments, reciting poetry and much more!
About the Upward Bound program:
Since 2000, the Upward Bound program has operated at RLC and is a federally funded program with the Department of Education. Upward Bound assists students who are enrolled in the 9th-12th grades at Benton, Hamilton County, Mt. Vernon and Zeigler-Royalton high schools. Students qualify for enrollment into Upward Bound by demonstrating the academic potential and desire to complete a college degree, exhibit an enthusiasm for learning, they are a first-generation college student, and meet the guidelines established by the Department of Education.
Benefits of being in Upward Bound:
During the academic year, Upward Bound emphasizes academic achievement and goal setting which includes weekly tutoring sessions at the student’s high school, college planning and goal setting. Students also experience field trips to educational and cultural destinations which includes college visits, museums and theatrical performances. The summer program is the most intensive aspect of the UB year and includes: five weeks of classes at RLC campus, opportunity to take RLC full credit classes, and an end of the year trip to major cities.
