ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Upward Bound program is currently accepting applications. Deadline to submit an application is February 16.

According to Angelica Valdez, Upward Bound director, this will be the first year of the new program in science and mathematics, as well as the annual summer session for Classic Upward Bound.

The summer begins with a pre-session, non-academic week from May 29 until June 1. There will be no residency during this week and students pre-test one day. “The pre-test helps determine which level of classes students should take for best success in the classroom,” Valdez said. Professors, from a diversity of academic departments, will speak to the students about the best courses to take for specific areas of interest.

Residency in the dorms begins on Sunday, June 3, and includes orientation, selecting roommates, and team building at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and classes begin on Monday. Adams State professors or certified teachers will teach the classes. For the afternoon, those in the classic Upward Bound program will take an elective class and then have study hour. Those who are enrolled for the science and mathematics track will take on research projects in the afternoon. “We rotate the science and mathematics offerings so by the time these students complete our program they will have been exposed to three or four science and math disciplines,”

Valdez and her staff are dedicated preparing students for the rigors of college classroom and exposing them to dormitory life. Part of the groundwork includes visiting at least four college campuses every year. At each institution they connect the potential college students to any Student Support Services offered by that institution, be it a standard TRIO program or some other similar department.

Upward Bound is one of the federally funded TRIO programs, which provide outreach and student services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS) program was funded by a grant from the Department of Education. Adams State Upward Bound recruits from San Luis Valley counties including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and Rio Grande.

To apply for the Upward Bound program or for more information visit adams.edu/students/upbound.

Caption: San Luis Valley high school students enjoy the exposure to life on a college campus in the Upward Bound program. Applications are now being accepted./Photo courtesy of Adams State Upward Bound