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Students in the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program spent part of their summer learning biology, algebra, Chinese and more while getting acclimated to college life at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Forty ninth-graders from the SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Upward Bound Math and Science program came to the University on June 23 and will leave July 24. 

“Our Upward Bound Math and Science summer component is both popular and important,” said Elke Harris-McIntosh, program director. “We offer enrichment in academic classes to expose our students to STEM related careers.” 

The high school students from the East St. Louis School District 189, Cahokia School District 187 and Madison School District 12 are residing in Bluff Hall while taking their courses. During the day students migrate to various classes, in addition to working in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) computer lab and taking individual academic counseling. The students’ evenings are occupied with tutoring, studying and recreation. 

“We get to gain the upper hand academically by taking classes similar to college classes,” said Sharlena Owens, a student at East St. Louis Senior High School. 

The ninth-grader listed a number of ways that participating in the Math and Science program is benefiting her and other students. “We are challenged to achieve more for our own good,” Sharlena added. “We are being put into real life situations without having to face extremely serious consequences.” 

Outcomes are another subject that struck home with Antwan Glasper, a student at Madison Senior High School. “You have to accept the responsibility of your actions and know that there will always be consequences, whether good or bad.” 

The college experience also affords the students to learn more about maturity and the responsibilities that go along with it, said Septembre Lewis, Math & Science Bluff Hall supervisor. 

“I was glad to hear those responses,” Lewis said. “I’m always emphasizing responsibility and self-control.” 

Lewis is a Math and Science graduate and was a student when McIntosh led the program. “The program prepared me for the college experience,” she added. Lewis earned a bachelor’s in nursing from SIUE in 2012. “What I enjoyed most was being exposed to all the options available for me.  

“I went to Math and Science for four years and also to the summer program. I learned social skills. The program brought in various speakers, and we got to talk to counselors, school staff and visit college campuses. All of that was new to me. Because of the experience, I felt comfortable enough to go away to any college but chose SIUE because of its great nursing program.” 

McIntosh is quick to point out the competitive advantage Math and Science gives students. “The UBMS program is a great extension to our students’ academic careers, which is what I believe, contributes to why our students rank at the top of their class and are awarded highly competitive scholarships. 

“I believe the year-round educational enrichment offered through UBMS provides our students with the experience and edge they need to land acceptance into top colleges and universities around the country.”

 The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science  program is designed to prepare participants for post-secondary education and motivate their exploration of science, mathematics and related education professions. Participants receive tutorial instruction in science, math, language arts, foreign language and computer/laboratory instruction. The program also offers a six-week summer residential component, where University faculty members instruct introductory courses in science, math, language arts, foreign language and computer literacy. 

The program is accepting applications for ninth grade students in school districts: East St. Louis, Cahokia and Madison. For more information, contact McIntosh at 618-482-6961 and elharri@siue.edu. 

Photo:

Upward Bound Math and Science students listen to Dr. Thomas Lavallee, chair of the Foreign Language and Literature Department at SIUE, in a Chinese language class.