First-Generation College Students Finish Upward Bound Bridge Program Courses

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Twenty-four recent high school graduates who are part of the University of Arkansas Upward Bound Program have finished their first college courses at the U of A.

Students participated in Upward Bound’s Bridge program from May 26 - June 26. The program aims to provide first-generation college students with a guided transition from high school to college. The ultimate goal is to increase college access and improve retention and graduation for underrepresented students.

Students who have been Upward Bound members in good standing throughout high school are eligible for the Bridge program. Upward Bound pays tuition for 6 credit hours of college courses, room and board and provides students with a weekly stipend as well as support from live-in mentors, who are recent college graduates.

“This program enables our students to be ready for college through valuable guidance from the Upward Bound staff,” says Elizabeth Ralston, who has been an Upward Bound mentor for the past 4 years. “It also provides them with resources, both financially and academically, that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to receive.  I have never met a student who was disappointed in their decision to be in the program.”

“I’m the first in my family to go to college,” said Reina Martinez, a graduate of Rogers Heritage High School and participant in this summer’s Bridge program. “My decision to live on-campus in the fall means that there will be changes in my family, but I’m looking forward to being more independent. I’ve learned so much in the Bridge program that I will take with me into my fall semester.”

Upward Bound is a federally-funded TRIO program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of Arkansas has three Upward Bound grants which serve 10 target schools.