First-generation high school students in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Upward Bound program spent five transformative weeks living, learning, and growing on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus this summer. Students from Duluth and Minneapolis experienced what college life could be like—taking classes in college classrooms, eating in the dining hall, finding their way around campus buildings, and most importantly, seeing themselves as future college graduates.
Students took academic classes in math, science, English, and a language other than English (each student chose to study either Japanese or Ojibwe). Their learning extended beyond the classroom with hands-on experiences like CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, as well as unique enrichment opportunities in beading, outdoor adventures, and theatre. Students toured the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus as well as Augsburg University, gaining firsthand exposure to college campuses and having the opportunity to ask current college students about their experiences.
Upward Bound’s summer program emphasized community, learning, and exploration. Students participated in team-building activities and played capture the flag with fellow Upward Bound students from the Twin Cities program, who were staying in the same dorm.
Many activities were first-time experiences for students, like kayaking on the Mississippi River, roller skating, bowling at the student union, and riding rollercoasters at Valleyfair. While cheering on the Minnesota Lynx at a WNBA game, the group made an appearance on the Jumbotron.
Students visited the Pillars, an intergenerational living community where they engaged in conversations with older adults and took part in a group exercise class with residents. Cultural highlights of the summer program included watching Cabaret at the Guthrie Theater and visiting the Walker Art Center.
The program concluded with a five-day college road trip to the University of Iowa, Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, and the University of Wisconsin campuses in Madison and La Crosse. In addition to college visits, there was an opportunity to explore the cities. In St. Louis, the group visited the Gateway Arch and climbed on a myriad of art sculptures at the City Museum. Along the way, students deepened their understanding of higher education options and built lasting memories with their peers.
By the end of the summer, our Upward Bound students not only made new friends and gained confidence navigating campus life, but they also took a significant step toward believing in their ability to attend and graduate from college.
Erika Sass directs UMD's Upward Bound Program.