The Wesleyan Upward Bound Math-Science Program is in full swing here on the Wesleyan campus. The year-round program, which serves low-income, first-generation and under-represented rising freshman through high school seniors, serves 90 to 100 students during the academic year and approximately 70 students during its six-week summer session.
The program’s director, Teshia Levy-Grant ’00 was a first-generation student at Wesleyan. “I recognize the need,” she said. “I know what it’s like to try to navigate the education system, and I want to help these students succeed.”
The grant-funded program relies on the support of volunteer tutors, many of whom are Wesleyan students. (Photos by Laurie Kenney)
During the summer, Wesleyan’s Upward Bound Math and Science program provides introductions to the math, science and English classes students will be taking in the next academic year, giving those students a solid foundation on which to build. Students also participate in team-building exercises outdoors.
The summer program’s flexible Friday schedule features workshops on various topics, including public speaking, the college application and admissions process, financial literacy, career development and study abroad opportunities, as well as hands-on help with writing college essays.More than 70 students are participating in the program’s summer session this year. The program’s school-year session includes tutoring sessions with Wesleyan students and Saturday sessions for parent workshops, in addition to rigorous academic support.In August, this year’s summer session participants will travel to colleges in Washington, D.C., as well as to the University of Connecticut and Western Connecticut State University, as part of a college tour.
Laurie Kenney
Mike Mavredakis
Ziba Kashef
Andrew Chatfield