2016 Senior Roll Call

Some of our seniors posing after a session.

ACT and SAT tests…FAFSA…course credits…recommendations…scholarships deadlines…college applications...of course, homework! These are just some of the responsibilities high school seniors have to maintain. It is no easy feat standing at the crossroad between childhood and young adulthood juggling several plates and trying not to drop any.

HEC Upward Bound staff and faculty hope to alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with this major transition for our students. We assist with test prep, FAFSA completion, college applications and recommendations, securing scholarships, and yes, even homework. Why? Because when students succeed, we succeed.

Calling all 2016 HEC Upward Bound SENIORS at Vashon, Gateway, McCleur, Carnahan, and Soldan! We’re in your corner, and we’re cheering you on the whole way through.  

This Week in Saturday Academy: 11/21/2015

"What's the world for you if you can't make it up the way you want it?" 

-Toni Morrison in Jazz

Our students do what it takes to make up their respective worlds with futures they envision. One way they do this is by showing up to Saturday academic sessions twice a month in Upward Bound. Why? Because they know that there is no way to get what they desire out of life without putting in the work. 

Frankly, we all have to put in the work. 

We often talk about how hard our students and staff work. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we figured we would show you about our classroom culture instead of talking about it. Check out our students and staff putting in the work to make up their futures. #TrioWorks  

Next Saturday Academy: Dec. 12, 2015

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.