Upward Bound Students

By Criselda Valdez

The Brownsville Herald

This summer proved to be an educational experience for 54 students from the

Harlingen and San Benito areas when they participated in Upward Bound- Math

and Science Program.

Now Im prepared (for the next school year) and I kept my mind working over

the summer instead, Krystle Zuniga, 16, said.

Zuniga, who will begin her senior year at Harlingen High School this fall,

took a college algebra course this summer through the Upward Bound program.

During her participation in past summers, Zuniga took pre-calculus and physics

courses, which she said were a great benefit to her.

I knew what to expect and ended up with As in those classes.

This is part of the goal of the program, Raymundo Martinez, program

coordinator, said.

We target math and science classes, he said, adding that the program also

provides some entertaining aspects as well as educational because we like to

teach them as much as we can and also have fun.

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College sponsored

Upward Bound program, or UBMS, is a four-year college preparatory program

funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to the college algebra course, some students took college biology

while others still participated in enrichment courses.

For the last 90 minutes of the day during the program, Martinez said students

participated in a variety of physical activities.

We had weightlifting, soccer, volleyball, and tae-bo, he said.

The six-week program has had the same students throughout its three-year run.

In order to participate, Martinez said the students had to meet certain

criteria, including being first-generation college student or come from a

low-income family.

These (students) have been with us since they were freshmen in high school,

Martinez said.

Students like Nancy Robledo, 17, decided that sacrificing six weeks of the

summer would be well worth the benefits of the program.

Robledo, an incoming senior at San Benito High School, said she joined the

program on the advice of another participant.

Jesus Valencia told me about it. And it was helpful, she said. It helps

getting you ready for college.

Robledo took the college biology course and decided that it was kind of

easy.

While she is not sure what her future holds for her career, Robledo is sure

about one thing.

Im glad that I decided to take advantage of (this program), she said,

adding that the program paid for the college course and the books required for

the class.

During the school year, the program provides tutors for the students,

something Zuniga was very happy with.

This program has been a big help. Theyve kept me busy, she said.

Victoria Garcia agreed about keeping busy. Garcia, 17, is ready to begin her

final year of high school at San Benito High School. This summer she took

calculus and economics during the program.

While she wont receive college or high school credit for the classes, she is

glad that she took them.

You can get experience (at the college level). And besides, you dont have

anything to lose. It is very beneficial, she said.