Upward Bound at Simpson College Receives Additional STEM Funds

The Upward Bound program at Simpson College recently received welcome news. The program received a 4.25% increase in funding from the federal government to provide support for high school students from underserved populations as they prepare to transition to college. 

Additionally, the program applied for and received $16,470 that will be used to provide program participants with exposure to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields as they explore and consider their options after high school.

“I am incredibly proud of the support from Simpson College and the work of the Upward Bound team,” said Jennifer Beal, Upward Bound program director. “Being able to have increased funding allows us to provide our students with the experiences they deserve in their pursuit of success.”

The funds will go toward STEM programming including an on-site visit to a STEM-focused college and a STEM career day. 

“We will also be adding courses about access to the internet and technology services for students and their families,” Beal said. “More of an emphasis will be placed on increasing access to modern technology and additional STEM faculty.”

Simpson College has been a host for the Upward Bound program since 1999. Upward Bound engages with students throughout the academic year, providing assistance that includes tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, career exploration and ACT preparation to name a few.

The program continues with a six-week summer residential program where students live on Simpson’s campus and are provided academic support, work-study opportunities, service-learning experiences and trips to visit colleges. 

“We are grateful for the decision-makers who continue to support TRIO programming,” Beal said. “It has proven, positive results.”