[View ALL News Press Releases] A new Upward Bound grant awarded to Elizabethtown Community and Technical College will help a total of 50 students in Grayson, Green, and Hart Counties prepare to succeed in college and careers. The federally-funded grant provides support for high school students from families in which neither parent has a bachelor's degree and/or meet certain income and academic requirements. The goal of the program, which requires a strong commitment from the students and their parents, is to increase the high school graduation rates and the students' subsequent success in postsecondary education. Upward Bound targets students between the ages of 13 and 19 who have completed the 8th grade but are not yet enrolled in 12th grade. The program typically is 30 weeks long, including a six-week summer component where they receive intensive academic instruction, explore careers and colleges, and participate in fun, educational and cultural activities and trips. In addition to academic support for students, Upward Bound provides instruction in basic skills needed for college, preparation for college entrance exams, exposure to cultural events, career counseling and mentoring programs.

The program is offered at no cost to participants, who also qualify for monetary stipends each semester if they meet attendance and academic requirements. "Upward Bound is a long-term commitment with long-term rewards," said Kevin Parrett, Upward Bound Program Director. "For students who qualify and are committed to the program, it's a great opportunity to participate in learning and experiences that they may not otherwise have. Upward Bound has a proven track record in helping students nationwide since 1965, and we're very excited to be able to offer it to students here."

Parents and students from Grayson, Green, and Hart Counties who are interested in learning more about the Upward Bound program can contact Kevin Parrett at ECTC at 270-706-8640 or toll-free at 1-877-246-2322 ext. 68640.

The Upward Bound Program (UB) at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College is federally funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $250,000 for the 2007 - 2008 academic year. The college preparatory program provides services to area high school students in Grayson, Green, and Hart Counties. Potential candidates for Upward Bound must commit to preparing themselves for post-secondary education before being accepted to the program. Federal Upward Bound funding is provided solely to postsecondary institutions to work in partnership with eligible secondary school systems.