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The biggest takeaway for the high schooler was how to conduct himself in a college course. Davieon Baker, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Upward Bound (UB) EC/BEM student, was one of 15 scholars enrolled in SIUE’s inaugural course, “UNIV 113: Topics in Early College Exploration.” 

“Topics in Early College Exploration” is taught by its creator, Makesha Harris Lee, EdD, director of SIUE’s CORE T.E.A.M. (College Readiness: Transition, Engage, Achieve and Mentor) Department. The dual enrollment class offers one-hour college credit. 

“Research has shown a need for college preparation curriculum and common foundational skills for future college students,” she added. “Having a pathway through high school programs such as Upward Bound to collaborate with the CORE TEAM, allows us to assist each other in preparing students for postsecondary learning and overall student achievements.” 

“I took the course because I wanted to learn something and to benefit myself at the same time,” said 18-year-old Baker, a senior at Madison High School who plans to attend SIUE and major in computer engineering or software engineering. “I believe that any student can have a chance at going to college, if they put their mind to it.” 

“This class helped me to reflect and envision my future,” said Tashayla Travis, a junior at East St. Louis Senior High School who has interests in dentistry, entrepreneurship and cosmetology. 

“Since I’ve been taking this course, I have been reflecting on every goal that I make,” said Asa Adams, a junior at Cahokia High School. “I’ve been taking this course seriously, because I know I want to go to college.” Adams plans to major in nursing at either Tennessee State University in Nashville or the University of Missouri–Columbia. 

Thanks to “Topics in Early College Exploration,” Kennedi Johnson is learning how to approach things one day at a time and in a timely manner. “This is what you will need to succeed,” said Johnson, a senior at O’Fallon Township who plans to major in psychology and minor in criminal justice at Webster University. She wants to become a forensic psychologist.

“I really liked having Dr. Harris Lee as an instructor,” said Johnson. “You can really open up to her and communicate.” 

Adams also said she enjoyed having Harris Lee as a teacher. “She’s a nice person to talk to. I would recommend her as a great teacher.” 

Topics covered during the eight-week class included:

• Why are you here?
• What is your passion?
• Choosing a college to attend
• Being a college student
• Speaking the college language
• Navigating college websites
• Assessment testing
• Your college experience goals and vision

“We really appreciate the work Dr. Harris Lee has done,” said Keith Ware, EdD, director of Upward Bound Program EC/BEM. “She has gone over and beyond and did things we were not expecting. She treats our students with the utmost respect. She loves what she’s doing, and it shows. 

“This is our first class, and she made it all possible,” he continued. “We hope to continue the course every semester.” 

Other possible topics for UNIV 113 include: 

• College finances and resources (which will be offered during this summer’s Summer Success Program)
• Time, tools and study environment
• College level critical thinking, reading, listening and note-taking
• Career exploration
• Socializing
• Health
• Memory principles and techniques and test taking strategies 

 Upward Bound programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis and Cahokia (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis Charter and Madison (BEM) High Schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. 

 The Pre-Collegiate Program and the Summer Success Program (SSP) are part of the SIUE CORE T.E.A.M. Department. The Pre-Collegiate Program is a college preparatory program designed to assist high school students in their transition to post-secondary education upon high school graduation. This program assists first-generation high school students who are typically from economically disadvantaged communities by providing comprehensive college preparatory and social development skills. These skills play a crucial role in helping students excel both academically and personally in their respective high schools and prepare them to transition successfully to the college or university of their choice. SSP is a five-week program allowing students to take up to two college courses for free and involves a full range of social, cultural and recreational activities. Applications for SSP are now open.

Photos:
Makesha Harris Lee, EdD, director of SIUE’s CORE T.E.A.M., teaches the course she designed, “UNIV 113: Topics in Early College Exploration” to SIUE Upward Bound (UB) students. 

L-R: Xyla Nixon, UB student from Cahokia High School, prepares to share her vision board. Kyla Anderson, UB student from SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, is seen with her vision board. 

Harris Lee is shown with students.