Programming students for success

Yuba College is home to many programs devoted to the success of students. Some of the newest programs are part of the Trio program, a collection of more than three programs that reach out to eager students before many even have a driver’s license.

The Upward Bound programs is one part of the Trio program that reaches out to students as early as the 9th grade. This three year-old program allows students to participate in concurrent enrollment at Yuba College, helping them to set goals early while getting as much as a year of college out of the way while still in high school.

There are certain criteria students must meet to be accepted into the program. They must be from a low-income family in which neither of the parents graduated from a four-year university. Prospective participants and parents must go through interviews and background checks to ensure their eligibility.

“Upward Bound is an intense hands on approach for highly motivated and goal oriented students.” states program Director Yvette Santana.

” The program provides students with a basic understanding of college life along with skills that will help them achieve their goals.”

Students enrolled must maintain a 2.5 or higher grade point average; tutors and mentors are provided. Students also get a chance to experience dorm life first hand as they are required to live in the dorms for six weeks while attending Yuba College summer school courses. Current Yuba College students are hired to be resident advisors and tutors for Upward Bound students over the summer. The students get a valuable first hand college experience along with participating in activities, making friends, strengthening their goals and love for learning.

“A young woman, who has been involved in Upward Bound since her freshman year will graduate from Maxwell High School this spring and attend Stanford University in the fall. That’s one of many success stories that are truly inspiring,” said Santana.

Unfortunately, this program does not have very much room, and admission is very competitive. Of the seven area high schools that are involved, only 70 applicants are accepted.”Being enrolled in high school and college at the same time is a lot of hard work, but the rewards are worth it,” added a smiling Santana.

Another Trio Program currently offered at Yuba College is Student Support Services, which was approved earlier this year and just recently implemented. This program will be directed by Lana Nguyen. Its purpose is to pick up where Upward bound leaves off, helping students from the time they graduate high school while they make their way through two-and four-year colleges.”The good news is anyone can enroll in Student Support Services. They don’t have to ever been enrolled in Upward bound to apply,” commented Santana.

The Educational talent search is a perspective program that Yuba College hopes to acquire next September. This program is similar to Upward Bound but starts helping students as early as 6th grade. It is also not as academically rigorous as Upward Bound

There is still additional aid for those students looking to attend grad school. The McNaire program, which is offered at select universities, is yet another stepping stone, picking up where Student Support Services leaves off by helping the student through grad school.

“It’s incredible to think we could potentially help someone from ninth grade through grad school,” beams Santana.

Anyone that may be interested or knows someone that could qualify for Upward Bound, Student Support Services or possibly becoming a tutor or mentor to students in the program, please call the Upward bound office at 749-3858, or visit their campus office at Collins Hall, rooms 1321 and 1322.