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It started as a way to learn a little more about college and a year later Sam Hibbard, SIUE Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) Collinsville High School (CHS) student, is heavily involved and thankful he joined the program.  

“I was uncertain about college before the program,” explained Hibbard. “But now I am leaning more towards going.” Hibbard’s first choice is SIUE.  

His mother, Jessica Hibbard, and grandmother, Catherine Simpher-Benwell, have always been convinced that Hibbler would do well in college and are happy for the education and exposure that UBSA provides.  

“When we first got information about Upward Bound, I thought it sounded like an excellent program,” said Jessica Hibbard. “I didn’t know if Sam wanted to go to Upward Bound in the summertime. But Mr. Gregory (Johnson II, UBSA counselor and social emotional services supervisor) wouldn’t let it go and kept contacting me. He is awesome.”  

“I thought the program was a wonderful idea to get Sam acclimated to college,” said Simpher-Benwell.  

“I’ve learned about career planning and the college process, and my grades have improved,” said Hibbard of his time in UBSA. 

Hibbard is considering majoring in speech language pathology or psychology. “I had a speech language problem,” he added, “and had trouble pronouncing ‘r,’ ‘w’, ‘th’ and ‘f.’”  

“When he was in preschool and kindergarten, the teacher noticed him having speech problems,” offered Jessica Hibbard. “They recommended a speech pathologist for him.”  

“I know I want to be of help to people,” said Hibbard.  

UBSA has aided Hibbard in focusing on important goals, according to Simpher-Benwell. “It has allowed him to see past his high school years and into a future.”  

“The program has also given him a great sense of belonging and a good community,” said Jessica Hibbard. “It has also motivated him to become more involved in activities.”  

Hibbard’s group involvements, most of which are community service based, include: UBSA’s “A-T.E.A.M. (youth ambassadors), CHS Baking Club, CHS Key Club and CHS Leo Club. 

“Please don’t ever stop this program,” said Jessica Hibbard. “It’s not just important and valuable for Sam but for all the other young people who need it.”  

Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) is a TRIO program federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. UBSA serves Collinsville High School students, ages 14-19, from low-income families and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.  

Photos:
Sam Hibbard, SIUE Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) Collinsville High School (CHS) student. 

Hibbard is shown with his grandmother Catherine Simpher-Benwell (left) and his mother, Jessica Hibbard.