Upward Bound
STC's Upward Bound program serves 50 students at Roma High School. The program gives them additional instruction in Math, Reading, and Writing on Saturdays, after school tutoring, a six-week summer instructional program, and job shadowing opportunities, as well as exposing students to a wide variety of options for continuing their education after high school.
Every summer participants in the program participate in the Summer Instructional Component at STC's Starr Count Campus. Students are give instruction in Math, Literature, Composition, Science, and are given assistance in deciding what college and what degree program best suits them. In addition, at the conclusion of the program, students have the opportunity to tour colleges around the state.
Upward Bound, one of the oldest of the TRIO Programs, is a highly successful, college-based program of rigorous academic instruction, tutoring, and counseling for disadvantaged students most of whom are the first generation of their families to consider post-secondary education. Students must be at least 13 years of age and entering the ninth, tenth, or eleventh grades to participate. Students must also demonstrate an academic need for the program. Once selected, the students remain in the year-round program until they graduate high school.
The students begin the program with a battery of tests to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Instruction is individualized to meet the needs of each participant. During the academic year, September through April, the students meet on the Roma High School campus, three Saturdays a month. They receive instruction in Mathematics, English, Study Skills, Career Awareness, and Vocabulary in addition to a series of "Special Topics" to assist students in dealing with day-to-day issues.
During the summer, the students attend a six-week session which consists of daily classes in Spanish, English, Math and Science. The staff of Upward Bound assists students in preparing college applications, applying for financial assistance and scholarships, as well as helping students in preparing for examinations required to enter Texas colleges and universities.
The graduates of Upward Bound attend an four-week "Bridge" Component at South Texas College during which they are closely monitored as they matriculate through their first college level classes. More than ninety percent of Upward Bound participants successfully enter institutions of higher learning and the college graduation rate is significantly higher than that of persons from similar socioeconomic backgrounds.
The South Texas Upward Bound program serves Roma High School. To apply for enrollment into the program, you will need to fill out an application. Upon submission of all required documents, you will be scheduled for an interview. Should you have any questions you may contact the Upward Bound office at 849-0814.
Upward Bound does an extensive line of activities such as informal trips to places like the Museums, Universities, Zoos, etc.... Upward Bound also has teachers to prepare students to reach to new levels. This past year many different Guest Speakers came to speak to the Upward Bound student's