KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee-s Upward Bound programs have been funded for another four years by the U. S. Department of Education.
Dr. Connie Hollingsworth, director of the Pre-College TRIO Programs, said grant awards totaling over $1 million annually will provide services to more than 200 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties and more than 50 students from eight southeastern states.
The program offers weekly academic enrichment activities in area high schools as well as Saturday Sessions at UT for area Upward Bound participants. Students also have an opportunity to participate in an intensive six-week residential summer program at UT that includes academic coursework, team building, leadership, and cultural enrichment.
“A highlight of the summer will be a trip to Washington, D.C. for those students completing the session successfully,” Hollingsworth said. “Our students will meet with Congressman Duncan on Capitol Hill and we have just received their confirmation for a White House tour.”
Other special events include an informal discussion with Vice Provost Clifton Woods and a meeting with Vols- Head Football Coach, Phillip Fulmer.
Each year, a select group of graduating high school seniors return as summer Bridge students and enroll as UT freshman. The staff works with these students as they transition from high school to college throughout the summer term. Bridge students take up to eight credit hours and participate in a required University Experience class taught by staff members.
Dr. Ernest W. Brewer wrote the initial Upward Bound grant in 1981 and it has been funded annually for the past 22 years.