He's Upward Bound
posted on: Aug. 1, 2008
Lonnie Davis is very excited.
He will begin his college career this fall, having just completed his last Upward Bound six-week stay on the St. Ambrose campus. According to Lonnie, the campus stay has provided many academic—and life—lessons.
"I feel I have the upper edge," says Lonnie. "I've enjoyed the experience of independence and have a better understanding of what college life is really going to be like."
Upward Bound, a federally funded program designed to help low-income, first-generation high school students who wish to attend college, provides year-round support culminating in an on-campus component each summer. Hailing from five area high schools, younger participants take high school courses in subjects they will face their upcoming academic year, while graduating seniors take college-level courses for credit—at no charge. St. Ambrose has been hosting the Upward Bound program for the past 12 years according to Program Director Jan Anderson. "It's wonderful for St. Ambrose to offer our students this great start in their college careers," says Anderson.
The experience of living on campus with Upward Bound staff support acclimates students to campus life, teaches time management skills and keeps them on course for acceptance into college, adds Anderson, who proudly points to many successful Upward Bound graduates including an engineer at Monsanto, two in medical school and one earning his doctorate in physics. "This program is life-changing," she says.
Students, who must meet income guidelines, are monitored throughout the school year and must fulfill program requirements. "This is a commitment," says Anderson.
And Lonnie? The Rock Island native, who will major in accounting and international business, believes he is better equipped to manage his time between work and classes and feels comfortable asking instructors for help. The last of his siblings to go through the program, he certainly sees the benefits. "Getting a college education means that nothing will ever be able to take hope away from you."