Student Spotlight: Shaila J.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis awarded HEC Upward Bound’s very own Shaila J. as “The Youth of the Year” at the Great Futures Gala on November 14, 2015. 

Finalists shared their stories of perseverance and dedication to their families, communities, and education. Out of seven nominees, Shaila was selected and presented her three-minute speech at the gala. Her award included a plaque and a handsome monetary gift. 

As anyone can see, Shaila not only excels outside of our program but also shows up to Upward Bound upbeat, positive, and engaged. Plus, this star on the rise has a bright future ahead of her. Shaila, a freshman from Metro High School, plans to one day study Psychology in college. With the dedication she has, her star will shine brightly there, too.

Shaila, we’re proud to have you apart of our HEC Upward Bound family. Congrats!

HEC Upward Bound's Mr. Bullard and Shaila J.

Making an Impact

In a discussion about how students know adults in their lives care about them, they were asked, "How many of you have been visited in school by Mr. Bullard this year?" The response was captured in the above photo.

Merely every student raised his/her hand confirming that Mr. Bullard, the College and Career Specialist, had visited them...multiple times. Students glanced around the room recognizing how many others he serves on a regular basis and began to share stories about how he's reached out to them. Like a light a bulb flashing on in the dead of night, they realized that their Upward Bound staff cares a lot. The evidence is in the fact that he commits time (whether school visits or course preparation), information, wisdom, and resources to position them for greatness.

Bullard, a first generation college student, himself, expressed, "As I look back over my college journey and experiences, I understand it was 'Trail by Error.' Because of my college struggles, it is my desire to help students avoid the unknown college transition process. I am driven to help others achieve their college dreams despite the personal obstacles they may have to overcome."

Mr. Bullard's commitment equally reflects the rest of the HEC Upward Bound staff and teachers, who also pour in countless, often unpaid hours to make sure our students have the very best. The saying goes, "You can give without caring, but you can't care without giving." We are grateful for staff who give of themselves and are committed to caring for students, which does nothing less than making a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

Students' response from another angle.

This Week in Saturday Academy:

The Halloween Edition

Our last Saturday Academy session happened to fall on Halloween this year. While the world was preparing for evening festivities and trick-or-treating, HEC Upward Bound students were in their books.

It is one thing for students to say they are committed, but it is overwhelming and awesome when they show it. Last weekend, our students showed us their dedication when they didn't let the holiday stop them from coming out in great number for academic enrichment sessions, tutoring, and a student workshop. This is evidence that they are serious about their futures and that #TrioWorks!

Students, we are proud of you! The time you commit now will manifest in your futures!

Here's a glimpse at last Saturday:

Next Saturday Academy: Nov. 7, 2015

This Week in Saturday Academy:

We're BA-AAACK!!!

After a great summer break and a fantastic HEC Summer Academy, we're back for Saturday Academy! Math, science, English, and college prep courses were in full swing as new and returning high schoolers showed up in great number to get their learn on.

The fun went to a whole new level when HEC Upward Bound's very own Mr. Bullard had the students compete in "Minute to Win It;" one of their favorite activities. From agility challenges to concentration tests, students flexed their skills with only a minute to win their respective competitions. If you missed this week's fun, you won't want to miss our next session! Check us out below. 

There really is a student under there.

Next Saturday Academy: 

Oct. 31, 2015

This Week in Saturday Acadmey:

Gearing Up for the New Year

Upward Bound is ready to continue molding our college bound students for another successful academic year. Last weekend, new and returning students and parents attended the back to school Saturday Academy orientation. Participants and their families were acquainted with instructional staff and HEC Upward Bound support staff, who will work with youth this year.

We did more than handle academic business. In an effort to better serve the students in the program and their families, we took a little time to have breakout sessions for parents and students. Students and parents enjoyed team building activities that allowed them to connect with other program participants and allowed us to gather data on ways to improve our service.

With the turn out and participation last, HEC Upward Bound is destined to have a fantastic 2015-2016 school year. See for yourself below with pics from our staff teambuilding activities and the program orientation.

First Official Saturday Academy: Oct. 10, 2015

 

Pics. 1-4: Staff team building; win, lose, or draw!

Student/parent orientation.

Student session led by Mr. Armstrong.

 



'15 S.A. Chronicles:

HEC Goes to Washington D.C.

"Where are we going this year?" students asked with mounted anticipation at the Summer Academy opening orientation in June. As parents and students hung on the edge of their seats, we were pleased to announce that we would culminate our summer with an academic and cultural tour to Washington D.C.

The primary mission of the trip was a college tour, and the mission was certainly accomplished. We visited historically black colleges and universities that exposed our students to various types of higher learning institutions. Hampton University, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, and Howard University were only some of the schools we toured.

"After school," so to speak, we spent time traversing classic Washington D.C. monuments, including the Capitol building, White House, and various war and public figure memorials. Museums included the Smithsonian Institute and the Museum of Crime and Punishment just to name a couple. The list of amazing attractions we visited goes on and on.   

From college tours to museums and monuments; sightseeing to delicious food; Washington D.C. broadened HEC Summer Academy students' horizons and was the trip of a lifetime. See for yourself below! 

'15 S.A. Chronicles:

Harris Stowe State University

Students got the college experience at Harris Stowe State University during Summer Academy. Staying in dorms, attending classes on campus, and utilizing university resources exposed our students to different aspects of collegiate life.

During this experience, we were quite busy. Students finalized and presented class projects. They also prepared for our closing ceremony by polishing their original presentations, including mimes, poetry, short films, vision boards, and photo slideshow. In our recreational time, we even hosted our first HEC Summer Academy talent show, in which students displayed a variety of talent. Staff even joined in on the fun and left the students in a comical uproar with their surprise performance. 

From hard work to good fun, Harris Stowe State University was a great way to culminate the academic portion of Summer Academy!

Students with the Summer Academy director in Emerson Theatre
following the talent show.