Upward Bound Academy Brings 54 Local Students to the Island University

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – For six weeks, high school students from Foy H. Moody, West Oso, Solomon Coles, and Roy Miller participated in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Upward Bound Summer Academy, an educationally enriching program that teaches vital life skills, tips for improving their grades, and provides insight on how to be successful in high school, college, and beyond. The program, established in 2017 thanks to a $2.5 million grant, seeks to prepare low-income students whose parents have not attended a four-year university to succeed through year-round academic assistance.

During the first week of the Summer Academy, the 54 high school students experienced dorm life at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Each weekday, they participated in hands-on learning through rigorous academic courses, including math, science, English, Spanish, TSI/ACT/SAT/PSAT preparation, and life skills.

However, educational endeavors were not the only component of the Upward Bound Summer Academy. Students broke away from studying to engage their bodies and minds in fun activities ranging from scavenger hunts to painting to sports and video games.

Successful completion of the program culminated in a commemorative banquet involving students and 170 of their family members. During the festivities, program participants were given a special medal for finishing the Upward Bound Summer Academy – one they can proudly wear at their high school graduation.

The summer experience culminated with a trip to Washington, D.C. During their stay, students visited three prestigious colleges in the area and explored many national memorials and museums such as the National Air and Space Museum, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, among others. Additionally, four students were selected to participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.