News release from IPFW:
IPFW Upward Bound Program Reaches New Heights and Record Numbers
(June 17, 2016) — The IPFW Upward Bound Summer Academy is helping more area high schoolers reach their college dreams than ever before, with a record 79 students participating. During the Summer Academy, Upward Bound participants live on campus for three weeks and experience college life, take additional classes, and visit other colleges.
In addition to its record-setting numbers, students from the Upward Bound program are achieving more academically as well. Student Nathaly Diaz won the Board of Directors Scholarship through the Education Opportunity Association (EOA) for the state of Indiana, as well as the Cheryl L. Berry Scholarship from Indiana TRIO. Alongside Nathaly, Kyle Pessefall received the Indiana TRIO Board of Directors pre-college scholarship. Not only do these scholarships help the students as they begin their college career, it also means that the IPFW Upward Bound Program swept all pre-college scholarship awards for Indiana at both the state and regional level.
“I could not be more proud of our students and the TRIO Upward Bound Program here at IPFW,” said Nicholas Gray, project director for Upward Bound. “Nathaly and Kyle have been outstanding participants in the program, and I’m glad that their leadership and commitment to their education was rewarded.”
“Fort Wayne and the greater service region continue to realize the huge benefits from our academic institutions,” said Ken Christmon, associate vice chancellor for diversity and multicultural affairs, and under whom the Upward Bound program operates. “IPFW’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs continues to lead and help develop diverse student populations to achieve academic success.”
The mission of IPFW’s Upward Bound program is to mentor participants toward successful entrance into post-secondary education. This college preparatory project assists students in the development of academic skills and achievement as well as providing guidance, support, and direction for success beyond high school.