Those attending the recent Upward Bound Math and Science concluding ceremony included, from left: Juan Segura (CE King High School), Eduardo Villarreal, Daniel George and Krystin Clark (North Shore High School), Eva Diaz (Galena Park High School), Mac Ngheim (North Shore High School), Fabius Watson (Channelview High School), Jacqueline Howard (UBMS director), Mery Arce (North Shore High School), Silvia Garcia (UBMS academic advisor), Ashton Crowther (CE King High School), Chelsea Blake, Carina Delgado, and Ryan Perez (North Shore High School), Marissa Villarreal (Channelview High School), Taylor Lyons, Daniella Alvarado, and Elidee Pecina (North Shore Senior High School). Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

 Upward Bound introduces students to college

Rob Vanya, August 12, 2010

HOUSTON – A group of 39 Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) students from Channelview, Sheldon, and Galena Park independent school districts recently culminated their summer session at the San Jacinto College (SJC) North campus by presenting exhibitions of their math and science projects.

The innovative UBMS program introduces high school students to college life through academic and recreational activities.

At the concluding ceremony where students demonstrated their work, SJC North President Dr. Allatia Harris commended the young people for their diligence. “You are our future, and by investing in you, San Jacinto College is trying to ensure a strong community in coming years,” she commented. “We hope to see you attending San Jac, and who knows, some day some of you may be professors here at the College.”

Local high school students are selected for the UBMS summer program when they are ninth-grade students, and sign a program contract to participate in the program until the end of their first year of college. The UBMS program includes five weeks of academic activities that are structured according to college guidelines and taught by college instructors. Courses offered this summer included calculus, statistics, English, government, economics, physics, Spanish, engineering basics, medical explorations, biology, anatomy and physiology, ACT/SAT test preparation, medical research lab, engineering research lab, and diversity research lab.

During the final week, the UBMS students take a chaperoned enrichment trip. This year, the students traveled to New York, New Jersey and Boston to visit several East Coast universities.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, the College’s UBMS program provides assistance to first generation and low-income students. “The goal of UBMS is to help qualifying young people to successfully graduate from high school, and then enroll in college to study mathematics, science, technology or a related field,” commented Jacqueline Howard, the College’s UBMS director.

San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

Registration for the Fall 2010 semester is under way online or on campus at all three San Jacinto College campuses. For more information about the College, please visit www.sanjac.edu, or call 281-998-6150.

Contact: Rob Vanya