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A group of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Black high school students had the opportunity to meet and mingle with a contingent of SIUE’s Black Girls Rock (BGR) during a fashion show on Friday, Feb. 25 on the Edwardsville campus. 

“When the occasion to attend the SIUE Black Girls Rock Fashion Show presented itself, I invited my Black female high school students in hopes they would connect with students they could identify with,” said UBMS Program Director Desiree Tyus. “Visiting college campuses can be overwhelming, however, being immersed in this type of collegiate event allowed the students to get a feel for what college life could really be like.” 

UBMS students from Collinsville High School attending the fashion show included freshmen TanDee Willis and Aniyah Edwards, sophomores Mariah Fox and Danajah Willis, and senior Kayla Thomas. 

The visit was part of the program’s ongoing effort to encourage first generation Black students to attend college in pursuit of their STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematic) degrees. Tyus wanted to enhance the typical college tour experience.  

“During the pandemic, there has been a significant decline in student participation,” said Tyus, “especially among Black females. Many students are working after school jobs out of necessity, and/or are involved in other activities such as sports, band and more.” 

“I appreciated going to the Black Girls Rock Fashion Show, because it was a great experience for us to be able to look up to Black young women and get great feedback,” said UBMS sophomore Danajah Willis. “It also gave us inspiration for our future and motivated us to embrace our ‘Black Girl Magic.’” 

“The major thing I appreciated,” said UBMS senior Kayla Thomas, “is that the president and vice president wanted us to keep in touch to help prepare us for our college career!” Thomas, who plans to attend SIUE in the fall, intends to work with BGR on community service projects. 

 “Attending the BGR fashion show, permitted my students to see the value of joining an organization while in college to build their personal network, develop soft skills, and expand their leadership potential,” explained Tyus. “Furthermore, research has shown that higher retention and persistence rates in college are associated with student involvement and a sense of belonging on campus.” 

The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program helps youth prepare for higher education and serves students from Collinsville. Participants receive instruction in advanced mathematics and science during the school day, homework assistance and hands-on STEM workshops twice a week after school, and cultural, career and college preparation on Saturdays. During the summer, students participate in a six-week residential program that allows participants to reside on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus and undergo college preparedness. Services provided prepare students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary STEM degree programs. The program is designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. For more information about how you can get involved in our program, please visit us at collinsvilleubms.com.  

Photos:
A group of SIUE Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Black high school students met with a contingent of SIUE’s Black Girls Rock (BGR).