Upward Bound to come to PSU

Plymouth State lives by its motto, "Ut Prosim." That could never be more true if students look into the steps being taken to begin an Upward Bound program on campus. The program would potentially provide more government funded student jobs and increased utilization of the campus during the summer.

 "Plymouth State University has initiated steps to decide the viability of bringing an Upward Bound program to campus," says Dr. Richard Barth, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

The Upward Bound program is part of the federally funded program designed to provide counseling, education, and enrichment as well as assistance with the college selection and application process to underprivileged and first-generation college students. Upward Bound at PSU would offer a six-week program to between 50 and 100 students enrolled in high schools throughout the area. These students would live on campus from late June to early August, in which time they would attend classes in math, science, and language arts, as well as exploratory classes like computer sciences, or foreign languages, all of which are necessary to be a successful college student.

Counseling positions for this program would be extended to academically successful PSU juniors and seniors. This service is free to the students that are accepted into the program. Dr. Barth says that this summer program will "provide a valuable service to students and families," of the area. When asked how this program will affect Plymouth State University, Dr. Barth noted that "the campus is underutilized in the summer", and the implementation of the UB program would help to alleviate some (but not all) of the layoffs in local businesses, such as PSU's dining services.

Presently, the college is assessing the feasibility of hosting this program. Dr. Barth says that the biggest question they are asking is "can this be done in a way that is productive," to the campus and community, as well as the students receiving the services this program gives. Then they will enter into the process of writing the grant proposition to the Department of Education. Susan Keefe, director of the Plymouth Academic Support Services (PASS) office will be assisting Dr. Barth in the grant-writing process, as she has already written a successful grant proposal to the Department of Education. Dr. Barth says that he hopes to have a task force to assist in writing this grant, including PSU students and Upward Bound-Keene Graduate, Nate Obin. 

The program would see its first year in the summer of 2012 if PSU does receive this grant, which would truly improve its ability to serve our community and follow our initiative of "Ut Prosim". Other campuses that have this program are Keene State, and the University of New Hampshire, and PSU's programs would look relatively similar to theirs. For more information, search the US Department of Education website at ed.gov, keyword Upward Bound.