Ud ub times newsletter

Upward Bound is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Upward Bound

THE UD-UB TIMES

“Onward & Upward”

FAFSA Night and Student Panel One of the most essential tools needed to move forward in higher education — beyond motivation and sheer desire — is money. For most of our UD-UB students, paying for college is not just a factor but sometimes it is the only factor that separates them from pursuing educational dreams that their parents never had the chance to.

In order to help our students, specifically our seniors, get the most up-to-date information concerning finan-cial aid, we reached out to UD’s own Racqueal Gamble, assistant director of financial aid. Gamble expressed to our students the importance of meeting deadlines and getting required information together before completing the FAFSA to ensure it is done efficiently the first time.

She also gave students pamphlets and other tangible resources they could take with them and share with family members about how to get the most possible aid available to cover the total cost of postsecondary education.

UD-UB students also had the pleasure of speaking with current minority UD students about some of the obstacles they have encountered with financial aid and what useful tools they’ve used to bridge the gap be-tween financial need, loans, grants and scholarships.

The UD-UB staff and students would like to thank Ms. Gamble and UD student representatives for their time and efforts; we are truly appreciative.

To our dynamic, destined and determined students, I hope that you all enjoyed taking a look back on the 2012-13 school year and all that we did as a program. Everything that has been presented to you was done for your advantage to move you all onward and upward! I would like to give you all 10 quick things that people have told me over the years that have helped me move forward with purpose and without excuses. So here they are — drum roll please…

1. No one owes you anything! Anything you desire will require work!

2. The only people who are never forgotten are the ones who live as if they are!

3. What are you willing to give up to get what you never thought you could have?

4. Life is not fair ... so what will you do about it?

5. Try your best to be better than the rest because that is where you will find the cream of the crop.

6. If college were easy, there would be no such thing as first-generation college students.

7. Show up and do the work ... don’t complain ... just show up and do the work!

8. You’re awesome, but if the world doesn’t know it, then it’s just a secret between you and me ... go show them!

9. Being cool is okay but being the first in your family to go to college and come back to your community and help is really cool!

10. You are the reason I come to work every day! You may not know it, but you all make me better!

Mr. Jared’s Top 10 List

The Slopes Are in view!

Senior Farewell Spotlight

OGT Boot Camp!

National TRiO Day…

“We Can’t Quit on Our Students!”

Senior Farewell

Welcome Back Edition

vol. 1 issue 1

THE UD-UB TIMES 2012-13 School Year “Onward & Upward” udayton.edu/education/upwardbound udayton.edu/education/upwardbound THE UD-UB TIMES 2012-13 School Year “Onward & Upward”2 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

2 • Director’s Address

UD-UB Mission and Vision Statements

3 • What’s New with UD-UB?

• Senior/Junior Retreat

• Are You Waiting for Superman?

4 • UD-UB On the Move: College Visits from the 2012-13 School Year

5 • Hitting the Slopes with UD-UB

6-7 • National TRiO Day: We Can’t Quit on Our Kids!

8-9 • Conferences in View: Building a Better You

10 • OGT Boot Camp: Are You Ready?

11 • Senior Farewell Spotlight

12 • FAFSA: The Importance of Financial Aid

• Mr. Jared’s Top 10 List

Director’s Address Hello UD-UB! This has truly been quite a year for us. Congrats to Sy’Anne, Chrishonna and Courtney — class of 2013!

We also had a very memorable summer, and I truly enjoyed working with you on campus! We are now operating in our new grant cycle, and despite our trials and budget cuts, we will press forward. We will be sure to keep our vision and objectives close, so that we may continue to best serve our students.

Kyra M. Robinson has built her career in postsecondary and higher education. Kyra received her bachelor’s degree in English from Fisk University and a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Before working with Upward Bound, she served as an academic adviser at Wright State University and held comparable positions at Wilberforce University and Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. When she is not working at the office, she takes on the duties of her other job — that of stay-at-home mother

to two dynamic children. Kyra and her husband, Chet, are native Daytonians and Meadowdale High School alumni. Let’s welcome Ms. Kyra with a big “GO FLYERS!”

University of Dayton Upward Bound Mission Statement

To increase the enrollment and retention of first-generation college students — particularly at-risk students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

University of Dayton Upward Bound Vision Statement

To merge the entities (DPS UD, and UB) to provide academic support to increase students’ educational performance in order to produce transfor-mative adults who can actively pursue and obtain professional careers and ultimately become visionaries to make their own individual marks on the blueprint of society.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Congratulations Class of 2013Senior Spotlight

Name: Courtney J. Downs

School attending in the fall: Wright State University

High school honors received: Honor roll, National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Student Senate, Student of the Month and Most Likely to Succeed

Intended major: Computer science and software engineering

Future career goals: Start my own mobile application development business and sell my apps on all mobile devices.

How has Upward Bound helped you: Upward Bound has helped me in so many ways. If it wasn’t for Upward Bound, I wouldn’t have the confidence about going to college and being as ready as I am now. Upward Bound has provided advice for not only school but for life in general. Mr. Jared has been a great mentor and friend for me these past two years, and I hope to still have that same kinship years from now when I’m seeing my goals unfold. Upward Bound has also provided me with all the scholarships that I have now and opened the door to many other opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten on my own.

Words of advice for your peers: Words of advice that I would give to my peers are don’t ever settle for just “good enough” — set the bar as high as possible and never give up until it is reached. Set out to be different, be rev-olutionary and change the world and most importantly, always do what you love because that’s what you’re the best at.

One thing you have never told anyone: One thing I have never told anyone is I’m glad my parents put me in foster care as a child because it has given me the opportunity to see life from an angle and perspective that many will never get to see. While most in my situation use it as a crutch or excuse throughout their life, I believe it is more of my greatest assets.

Name: Chrishonna ReavesSchool attending in the fall: Alabama A&M University

Intended major: Psychology

Future career goals: I would like to become a child psy-chologist in an urban school district.

How has the Upward Bound program helped you? It has helped me to expand my view

when it comes to what college I can attend. Without Upward Bound I would not have known what my options were.

Words of advice for your peers: Get involved in as much as you can and keep your grades up!

One thing you never told anyone: I have a lot of family from Detroit, Mich.

Name: Sy’Anne Boykins

School attending in the fall: Alaska Pacific University

High school honors received: National Honor Society, ROTC Captain

Intended major: Undecided

Future career goals: Enlist in the United States Army

Way to go Seniors! Good luck!


What’s New with UD-UB? What’s new is the federal education grant we received to help our students! Beyond an article published in the Dayton Daily News (“Grant to lift college hopes: UD gets $1.27M for students who would be first grads in family,” July 2, 2012). the news of our grant was dis-seminated across the country along with congratulations and well wishes. To receive this grant is an honor, given the fact that more than 250 eligible institutions applied to receive funding for their Upward Bound programs. With the competition now closed and our grant received, we have been putting the “pedal to the metal” in making sure we continue to offer our students the most efficient and effective programming.

Our program is a year-round precollege prep expe-rience that has two distinct parts: the academic year

and the six-week summer academy. Each portion of the program is designed to enhance student development as well as carry out our six national objectives. Throughout the year, students are given extra academic and personal attention to help transform them from “students” to independent thinkers who will leave their marks within their schools, communities and the program.

In the words of TyAnn Stewart, program director, “We’re ready for the next chapter.” As we embrace the challenges ahead, we are

thankful for all of those who have supported our efforts in keeping the program going, as

well as aiding us in making sure we are here for another grant cycle. Please stay tuned to see what

other new things UD-UB will be doing.

Senior/Junior Retreat

During the first portion of the academic year, we gath-ered our juniors and seniors for a day retreat away from Ohio. For most high school upperclassmen, this is a “make it or break it” time in

their lives. This is the time when futures are illuminated, or when dreams drift away due to lack of preparation and involvement. With this being a reality for our stu-dents, we wanted to make sure we did our part not only to encourage them, but also to give them a chance to relax before the rigorous school year.

During the trip, we had a chance to ask students what some of their SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-sensitive) goals are for the year. The majority of the seniors stated that getting accepted into their top five colleges was the main focus, along with scoring well on the ACT/SAT. With our juniors, there was more of a focus on the ACT in making sure that was out of the way so once they become seniors, their immediate focus would be col-lege admissions. In all, the day was fun-filled and eventful.

Are You Waiting for Superman? It is essential that we help our students see not only the importance of a great education, but also how others across the nation struggle just to have some of the access that they have readily available. With that notion, the UD-UB staff thought it would be great to show the documentary Waiting for “Superman.” This film, which has received positive reviews but also great criticism, deals with the Harlem Children’s Zone and the lives of those who are desperately seeking to get their children the opportunity for a better education. As our students viewed the film and witnessed some of the discouraging statistics, they became frustrated and bothered by how the public school system works and how the government has mismanaged finances for education. After the film, students wrote down ways they can impact their schools and communities through reinforcing the importance of education and matriculating to postsecondary educa-tion. Although our students aren’t waiting for Superman, hopefully they can become superheroes in their educa-tional pursuits.

OGT Boot Camp

It is no surprise that the Ohio Graduation Test is one of the more difficult and tedious challenges our students face on a yearly basis. Because of the magnitude of this exam, we do all that we can to assist our students beyond what they might or might not be receiving in the classroom.

Throughout the academic year during tutoring, Mr. Jared and the tutoring staff use a variety of activities to help students understand test questions, how to deci-pher answers and write appropriate extended responses. Along with these helpful weekly tips and exercises, the UD-UB staff holds an OGT boot camp twice a year to address all test subject areas, as well as how to correct-ly develop extended response answers to get the most total points.

Each boot camp is held on a Saturday for about four hours. During this time, students make use of the Smart Boards and other equipment we have available to better understand the test content. UD-UB staff (full time and part time), along with volunteer teachers from Dayton Public Schools, come together to ensure our students receive the individualized attention they need to yield the best possible outcome: passing all five subject areas the first time.

For some of our students, passing all five on the first try is not a reality. However, we continue to push them to make sure they do what they need to do to pass the OGT so it does not become a hindrance for graduation.

Target…

Pass all 5=

Graduation


UD-UB ON THE MOVE!

Academic Year College Visits

During the academic and summer portions of our program, the UD-UB staff always looks for opportunities to take our students out of the city to explore colleges and universities that might be of interest to them.

This school year we had a chance to visit three institutions that offered a variety of majors and minors, study abroad programs and other interesting features that would pique the interest of any aspiring college student.

Student ambassadors, admissions workers and SGA representatives were our guides at each of these univer-sities. Their various backgrounds and experience gave students a look at what they could expect after applying and being accepted into the university.

As with all college visits, the UD-UB staff encourages students to ask general questions concerning enroll-ment rates of first-generation college students, but we also push them to ask questions specifically concerning their personal interests and/or prospective major/minor.By asking these questions, students get a true feel whether or not the university is a good “top-five fit” for them or if it can be considered an alternate choice.

It is the hope of the UD-UB staff that our students will take the information they received concerning hous-ing, admissions, financial aid, student organizations, etc., and use it to their advantage as they move toward seeing where they want to matriculate after their high school days have come to a close.

In the same vein of last year’s conference, this year’s YEC theme “Building a Better YOU!” focused on “Understanding What a College

Student Looks Like,” “Finance Matters: Using SMART Goals to Effectively Manage Money and Life Goals,” “Eating Well to Live Well” and “Nutrition and Workouts to Build a Healthier You.”

Our presenters this year included our very own program specialist Mr. Jared (“Understanding What a College Student Looks Like”), along with Day Air Credit Union branch manager Amy Cline; chef Anthony Head, the former chef of De’Lish Café known as “The People’s Chef”; and the UNIT nonprofit health and wellness group.

Throughout the day, students participated in round-table discussions and think tanks and shared personal opinions about health and wellness and their financial goals. In reflecting on their financial goals and mon-ey management, some students noted that they were surprised to learn how much things will cost when they get on their own and learned they need to start budget-ing more effectively. Students were also surprised at the amount of sugar in basic foods we may eat on a daily or weekly basis, such as orange juice, cereal and, of course, fast food.

The UD-UB staff hopes that our students took in all the information to “build a better them” — which will in turn foster more focused, financially sound and physi-cally fit students.

2012-13

2012-13 Youth Empowerment Conference Presenters

Y.E.C.Youth Empowerment

Conference2013

Mr. Jared Chef AnthonyConference Presenters


UD-UB Students Attend COLC and Youth Empowerment conferences

Each year, the University of Dayton office of multicultural affairs holds a

student-run conference titled Colors of Leadership. In the past, the conference has challenged the

minds and focus of all its attendees. This year our students were excited

about the opportunity to join the “LeaderSHIP Manifest” experience.

The topic of each workshop corresponded to the “seven Cs of the social change model of leadership” developed in 1996 by Helen S. Astin and Alexander W. Astin at the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Our UD-UB students had the opportu-nity to choose from a variety of workshops which included “Learning How to Step Up and Stop Sexual

Violence,” “Social Change Agents Part 1: The Power of You” and “Strengthening Your Leadership Portfolio.” Current UD faculty and staff and national guest speak-ers presented on these topics.

As the workshops ended, all participants came together to hear the dynamic and life-changing story of keynote speaker Steve Pemberton, chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens. He is the first person in the 110-year history of the company to hold such a distinguished position. Pemberton’s story exceeds the space we have for this section but being

a first-generation college student was just the bare minimum of what he had to deal with growing up. He

shared with all who were present his obstacles from birth and never once gave an excuse about why things happened the way they did; rather, he implored all who were present — especially students — to be better than what their circumstances might display. His strong story was published as the bestseller A Chance in the World. In this book, Pemberton takes an in-depth look into his life and all that has led him to where he is.

Our UD-UB students reported back through evalua-tions and stated that he was one of the most inspiration-al speakers they had ever heard. One student said, “He kept my attention the whole time and really made me feel as if I could get beyond where I am.” This, if noth-ing else, was a great example of leadership manifested. We would like to thank the office of multicultural affairs for inviting us to this great event.

Last year, our former program assistant Jamie Rippey had an idea to develop a con-ference specifically for the students in our program to increase their knowledge in the areas of leader-ship, health and wellness, and common trends affecting young people today. With input from Ms. Stewart (program director) and Mr. Jared (program specialist), the foundation was laid for the Youth Empowerment Conference. Last year, UD-UB students participated in workshops titled “Devel-oping the Leader in You,” “Getting Tight (Getting Your Body Right to Live)” and “How Sexting and Bullying Can Cause Long-Term Effects.”

Slopes are in View

For some people, when snow hits the ground it’s a sign of harsh weather and dark days. However, for UD-UB staff and students, snowfall is usually a sign of a second-quarter ski trip! Due to the overwhelmingly positive responses we received from the student evalua-tions last year, the UD-UB staff decided that we would, for the second year in a row, head to southern Indiana’s Perfect North Slopes to watch our students embrace an experience and a day of fun.

When the students arrive they can choose snow-boarding, skiing or tubing. The first two choices require outdoor gear and a one-hour lesson where students receive basic instructions on how to maneuver, ac-celerate and, of course, stop! Once they have moved through each session and have proven proficiency, they are ready to tackle the smallest of the hills (Catwalk) or the toughest (Showtime and Center Stage). We are thankful that we have had no injuries to date. However, we have witnessed broken fears and shattered precon-ceived notions.

Ultimately, this trip gives our students an opportunity they may not have otherwise had. They have a chance to enjoy themselves and forget about what may be weighing them down academically or troubling them outside of school.

One of the requirements for students to be able to experience this event is to attend our weekly tutoring sessions and make sure they are following their person-alized education plans to become more well-rounded students.

Our Instructors for the day!

Upward Bound Ski Trip


National TRiO Day

“We Can’t Quit on Our students” Every third Saturday in February, TRiO programs across the nation gather to recognize the foundations of this monumental federal program by hosting events that celebrate the history and the progress of the program. TRiO is an umbrella organization that houses eight unique programs which assist first-generation college students of all ages and backgrounds.

The eight programs are:

• Educational Opportunity Centers

• Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement

• Student Support Services

• Talent Search

The planning for this year’s celebration began back in 2012 when our very own UD-UB program director TyAnn Stewart came up with an idea to bring all of the TRiO programs in the Dayton area together for a regional celebration. From this initial idea, Ms. Stewart contacted the program directors from Wright State University, Central State University, Sinclair Community College and Wittenberg University and asked if they could come together during the 2012 MAEOPP conference and create a program that would not only impact the students we serve, but also allow the city and the state to know that “WE ARE TRiO and TRiO WORKS!”

After countless meetings, months of planning and scheduling, contacting state officials and screening speakers, the 2013 TRiO Day celebration was set and ready to launch. The festivities were held at Sinclair Community Col-lege. The day started with more than 70 students getting the opportunity to mingle with their peers from the other regional TRiO programs. The program began with a welcome and a description of what TRiO is and why it has been a vital connection to student success nationally and locally.

Additionally, we had the distinct honor of receiving words from some of our state representatives as well as a member of the DPS board. They were very candid and open with the students about their thoughts and plans to help move TRiO forward on a state and local level. The Ohio state representatives present were Reps. Robert Hackett, 74th District; Terrence Blair, 42nd District; and Fred Strahorn, 39th District.

The students also had the pleasure of hearing from Hazel Rountree, a nonprofit administrator who works at Wright State University. Ms. Rountree has benefited great-ly from TRiO programs. She is a proud Upward Bound and Student Support Services alumna. She opened up and shared with the students some of her struggles and achievements as a first-generation college student and how important it was for her to be a part of the TRiO programing that pushed her academically and made her more socially conscious.

Amid the various speeches and proclamations given, the real climax of the day was witnessing students from all over the Dayton region coming together and discussing how TRiO programs have paved the way for them, as well as their willingness to make sure they don’t quit on themselves, their education or their families. Needless to say, the message of “TRiO works!” was evident, and the torch of TRiO was ignited for another year!

• Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff

• Upward Bound

• Upward Bound Math-Science

• Veterans Upward Bound


National TRiO Day

“We Can’t Quit on Our students” Every third Saturday in February, TRiO programs across the nation gather to recognize the foundations of this monumental federal program by hosting events that celebrate the history and the progress of the program. TRiO is an umbrella organization that houses eight unique programs which assist first-generation college students of all ages and backgrounds.

The eight programs are:

• Educational Opportunity Centers

• Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement

• Student Support Services

• Talent Search

The planning for this year’s celebration began back in 2012 when our very own UD-UB program director TyAnn Stewart came up with an idea to bring all of the TRiO programs in the Dayton area together for a regional celebration. From this initial idea, Ms. Stewart contacted the program directors from Wright State University, Central State University, Sinclair Community College and Wittenberg University and asked if they could come together during the 2012 MAEOPP conference and create a program that would not only impact the students we serve, but also allow the city and the state to know that “WE ARE TRiO and TRiO WORKS!”

After countless meetings, months of planning and scheduling, contacting state officials and screening speakers, the 2013 TRiO Day celebration was set and ready to launch. The festivities were held at Sinclair Community Col-lege. The day started with more than 70 students getting the opportunity to mingle with their peers from the other regional TRiO programs. The program began with a welcome and a description of what TRiO is and why it has been a vital connection to student success nationally and locally.

Additionally, we had the distinct honor of receiving words from some of our state representatives as well as a member of the DPS board. They were very candid and open with the students about their thoughts and plans to help move TRiO forward on a state and local level. The Ohio state representatives present were Reps. Robert Hackett, 74th District; Terrence Blair, 42nd District; and Fred Strahorn, 39th District.

The students also had the pleasure of hearing from Hazel Rountree, a nonprofit administrator who works at Wright State University. Ms. Rountree has benefited great-ly from TRiO programs. She is a proud Upward Bound and Student Support Services alumna. She opened up and shared with the students some of her struggles and achievements as a first-generation college student and how important it was for her to be a part of the TRiO programing that pushed her academically and made her more socially conscious.

Amid the various speeches and proclamations given, the real climax of the day was witnessing students from all over the Dayton region coming together and discussing how TRiO programs have paved the way for them, as well as their willingness to make sure they don’t quit on themselves, their education or their families. Needless to say, the message of “TRiO works!” was evident, and the torch of TRiO was ignited for another year!

• Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff

• Upward Bound

• Upward Bound Math-Science

• Veterans Upward Bound


UD-UB Students Attend COLC and Youth Empowerment conferences

Each year, the University of Dayton office of multicultural affairs holds a

student-run conference titled Colors of Leadership. In the past, the conference has challenged the

minds and focus of all its attendees. This year our students were excited

about the opportunity to join the “LeaderSHIP Manifest” experience.

The topic of each workshop corresponded to the “seven Cs of the social change model of leadership” developed in 1996 by Helen S. Astin and Alexander W. Astin at the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Our UD-UB students had the opportu-nity to choose from a variety of workshops which included “Learning How to Step Up and Stop Sexual

Violence,” “Social Change Agents Part 1: The Power of You” and “Strengthening Your Leadership Portfolio.” Current UD faculty and staff and national guest speak-ers presented on these topics.

As the workshops ended, all participants came together to hear the dynamic and life-changing story of keynote speaker Steve Pemberton, chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens. He is the first person in the 110-year history of the company to hold such a distinguished position. Pemberton’s story exceeds the space we have for this section but being

a first-generation college student was just the bare minimum of what he had to deal with growing up. He

shared with all who were present his obstacles from birth and never once gave an excuse about why things happened the way they did; rather, he implored all who were present — especially students — to be better than what their circumstances might display. His strong story was published as the bestseller A Chance in the World. In this book, Pemberton takes an in-depth look into his life and all that has led him to where he is.

Our UD-UB students reported back through evalua-tions and stated that he was one of the most inspiration-al speakers they had ever heard. One student said, “He kept my attention the whole time and really made me feel as if I could get beyond where I am.” This, if noth-ing else, was a great example of leadership manifested. We would like to thank the office of multicultural affairs for inviting us to this great event.

Last year, our former program assistant Jamie Rippey had an idea to develop a con-ference specifically for the students in our program to increase their knowledge in the areas of leader-ship, health and wellness, and common trends affecting young people today. With input from Ms. Stewart (program director) and Mr. Jared (program specialist), the foundation was laid for the Youth Empowerment Conference. Last year, UD-UB students participated in workshops titled “Devel-oping the Leader in You,” “Getting Tight (Getting Your Body Right to Live)” and “How Sexting and Bullying Can Cause Long-Term Effects.”

Slopes are in View

For some people, when snow hits the ground it’s a sign of harsh weather and dark days. However, for UD-UB staff and students, snowfall is usually a sign of a second-quarter ski trip! Due to the overwhelmingly positive responses we received from the student evalua-tions last year, the UD-UB staff decided that we would, for the second year in a row, head to southern Indiana’s Perfect North Slopes to watch our students embrace an experience and a day of fun.

When the students arrive they can choose snow-boarding, skiing or tubing. The first two choices require outdoor gear and a one-hour lesson where students receive basic instructions on how to maneuver, ac-celerate and, of course, stop! Once they have moved through each session and have proven proficiency, they are ready to tackle the smallest of the hills (Catwalk) or the toughest (Showtime and Center Stage). We are thankful that we have had no injuries to date. However, we have witnessed broken fears and shattered precon-ceived notions.

Ultimately, this trip gives our students an opportunity they may not have otherwise had. They have a chance to enjoy themselves and forget about what may be weighing them down academically or troubling them outside of school.

One of the requirements for students to be able to experience this event is to attend our weekly tutoring sessions and make sure they are following their person-alized education plans to become more well-rounded students.

Our Instructors for the day!

Upward Bound Ski Trip


UD-UB ON THE MOVE!

Academic Year College Visits

During the academic and summer portions of our program, the UD-UB staff always looks for opportunities to take our students out of the city to explore colleges and universities that might be of interest to them.

This school year we had a chance to visit three institutions that offered a variety of majors and minors, study abroad programs and other interesting features that would pique the interest of any aspiring college student.

Student ambassadors, admissions workers and SGA representatives were our guides at each of these univer-sities. Their various backgrounds and experience gave students a look at what they could expect after applying and being accepted into the university.

As with all college visits, the UD-UB staff encourages students to ask general questions concerning enroll-ment rates of first-generation college students, but we also push them to ask questions specifically concerning their personal interests and/or prospective major/minor.By asking these questions, students get a true feel whether or not the university is a good “top-five fit” for them or if it can be considered an alternate choice.

It is the hope of the UD-UB staff that our students will take the information they received concerning hous-ing, admissions, financial aid, student organizations, etc., and use it to their advantage as they move toward seeing where they want to matriculate after their high school days have come to a close.

In the same vein of last year’s conference, this year’s YEC theme “Building a Better YOU!” focused on “Understanding What a College

Student Looks Like,” “Finance Matters: Using SMART Goals to Effectively Manage Money and Life Goals,” “Eating Well to Live Well” and “Nutrition and Workouts to Build a Healthier You.”

Our presenters this year included our very own program specialist Mr. Jared (“Understanding What a College Student Looks Like”), along with Day Air Credit Union branch manager Amy Cline; chef Anthony Head, the former chef of De’Lish Café known as “The People’s Chef”; and the UNIT nonprofit health and wellness group.

Throughout the day, students participated in round-table discussions and think tanks and shared personal opinions about health and wellness and their financial goals. In reflecting on their financial goals and mon-ey management, some students noted that they were surprised to learn how much things will cost when they get on their own and learned they need to start budget-ing more effectively. Students were also surprised at the amount of sugar in basic foods we may eat on a daily or weekly basis, such as orange juice, cereal and, of course, fast food.

The UD-UB staff hopes that our students took in all the information to “build a better them” — which will in turn foster more focused, financially sound and physi-cally fit students.

2012-13

2012-13 Youth Empowerment Conference Presenters

Y.E.C.Youth Empowerment

Conference2013

Mr. Jared Chef AnthonyConference Presenters


What’s New with UD-UB? What’s new is the federal education grant we received to help our students! Beyond an article published in the Dayton Daily News (“Grant to lift college hopes: UD gets $1.27M for students who would be first grads in family,” July 2, 2012). the news of our grant was dis-seminated across the country along with congratulations and well wishes. To receive this grant is an honor, given the fact that more than 250 eligible institutions applied to receive funding for their Upward Bound programs. With the competition now closed and our grant received, we have been putting the “pedal to the metal” in making sure we continue to offer our students the most efficient and effective programming.

Our program is a year-round precollege prep expe-rience that has two distinct parts: the academic year

and the six-week summer academy. Each portion of the program is designed to enhance student development as well as carry out our six national objectives. Throughout the year, students are given extra academic and personal attention to help transform them from “students” to independent thinkers who will leave their marks within their schools, communities and the program.

In the words of TyAnn Stewart, program director, “We’re ready for the next chapter.” As we embrace the challenges ahead, we are

thankful for all of those who have supported our efforts in keeping the program going, as

well as aiding us in making sure we are here for another grant cycle. Please stay tuned to see what

other new things UD-UB will be doing.

Senior/Junior Retreat

During the first portion of the academic year, we gath-ered our juniors and seniors for a day retreat away from Ohio. For most high school upperclassmen, this is a “make it or break it” time in

their lives. This is the time when futures are illuminated, or when dreams drift away due to lack of preparation and involvement. With this being a reality for our stu-dents, we wanted to make sure we did our part not only to encourage them, but also to give them a chance to relax before the rigorous school year.

During the trip, we had a chance to ask students what some of their SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-sensitive) goals are for the year. The majority of the seniors stated that getting accepted into their top five colleges was the main focus, along with scoring well on the ACT/SAT. With our juniors, there was more of a focus on the ACT in making sure that was out of the way so once they become seniors, their immediate focus would be col-lege admissions. In all, the day was fun-filled and eventful.

Are You Waiting for Superman? It is essential that we help our students see not only the importance of a great education, but also how others across the nation struggle just to have some of the access that they have readily available. With that notion, the UD-UB staff thought it would be great to show the documentary Waiting for “Superman.” This film, which has received positive reviews but also great criticism, deals with the Harlem Children’s Zone and the lives of those who are desperately seeking to get their children the opportunity for a better education. As our students viewed the film and witnessed some of the discouraging statistics, they became frustrated and bothered by how the public school system works and how the government has mismanaged finances for education. After the film, students wrote down ways they can impact their schools and communities through reinforcing the importance of education and matriculating to postsecondary educa-tion. Although our students aren’t waiting for Superman, hopefully they can become superheroes in their educa-tional pursuits.

OGT Boot Camp

It is no surprise that the Ohio Graduation Test is one of the more difficult and tedious challenges our students face on a yearly basis. Because of the magnitude of this exam, we do all that we can to assist our students beyond what they might or might not be receiving in the classroom.

Throughout the academic year during tutoring, Mr. Jared and the tutoring staff use a variety of activities to help students understand test questions, how to deci-pher answers and write appropriate extended responses. Along with these helpful weekly tips and exercises, the UD-UB staff holds an OGT boot camp twice a year to address all test subject areas, as well as how to correct-ly develop extended response answers to get the most total points.

Each boot camp is held on a Saturday for about four hours. During this time, students make use of the Smart Boards and other equipment we have available to better understand the test content. UD-UB staff (full time and part time), along with volunteer teachers from Dayton Public Schools, come together to ensure our students receive the individualized attention they need to yield the best possible outcome: passing all five subject areas the first time.

For some of our students, passing all five on the first try is not a reality. However, we continue to push them to make sure they do what they need to do to pass the OGT so it does not become a hindrance for graduation.

Target…

Pass all 5=

Graduation


INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

2 • Director’s Address

UD-UB Mission and Vision Statements

3 • What’s New with UD-UB?

• Senior/Junior Retreat

• Are You Waiting for Superman?

4 • UD-UB On the Move: College Visits from the 2012-13 School Year

5 • Hitting the Slopes with UD-UB

6-7 • National TRiO Day: We Can’t Quit on Our Kids!

8-9 • Conferences in View: Building a Better You

10 • OGT Boot Camp: Are You Ready?

11 • Senior Farewell Spotlight

12 • FAFSA: The Importance of Financial Aid

• Mr. Jared’s Top 10 List

Director’s Address Hello UD-UB! This has truly been quite a year for us. Congrats to Sy’Anne, Chrishonna and Courtney — class of 2013!

We also had a very memorable summer, and I truly enjoyed working with you on campus! We are now operating in our new grant cycle, and despite our trials and budget cuts, we will press forward. We will be sure to keep our vision and objectives close, so that we may continue to best serve our students.

Kyra M. Robinson has built her career in postsecondary and higher education. Kyra received her bachelor’s degree in English from Fisk University and a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Before working with Upward Bound, she served as an academic adviser at Wright State University and held comparable positions at Wilberforce University and Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. When she is not working at the office, she takes on the duties of her other job — that of stay-at-home mother

to two dynamic children. Kyra and her husband, Chet, are native Daytonians and Meadowdale High School alumni. Let’s welcome Ms. Kyra with a big “GO FLYERS!”

University of Dayton Upward Bound Mission Statement

To increase the enrollment and retention of first-generation college students — particularly at-risk students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

University of Dayton Upward Bound Vision Statement

To merge the entities (DPS UD, and UB) to provide academic support to increase students’ educational performance in order to produce transfor-mative adults who can actively pursue and obtain professional careers and ultimately become visionaries to make their own individual marks on the blueprint of society.

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Congratulations Class of 2013Senior Spotlight

Name: Courtney J. Downs

School attending in the fall: Wright State University

High school honors received: Honor roll, National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Student Senate, Student of the Month and Most Likely to Succeed

Intended major: Computer science and software engineering

Future career goals: Start my own mobile application development business and sell my apps on all mobile devices.

How has Upward Bound helped you: Upward Bound has helped me in so many ways. If it wasn’t for Upward Bound, I wouldn’t have the confidence about going to college and being as ready as I am now. Upward Bound has provided advice for not only school but for life in general. Mr. Jared has been a great mentor and friend for me these past two years, and I hope to still have that same kinship years from now when I’m seeing my goals unfold. Upward Bound has also provided me with all the scholarships that I have now and opened the door to many other opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten on my own.

Words of advice for your peers: Words of advice that I would give to my peers are don’t ever settle for just “good enough” — set the bar as high as possible and never give up until it is reached. Set out to be different, be rev-olutionary and change the world and most importantly, always do what you love because that’s what you’re the best at.

One thing you have never told anyone: One thing I have never told anyone is I’m glad my parents put me in foster care as a child because it has given me the opportunity to see life from an angle and perspective that many will never get to see. While most in my situation use it as a crutch or excuse throughout their life, I believe it is more of my greatest assets.

Name: Chrishonna ReavesSchool attending in the fall: Alabama A&M University

Intended major: Psychology

Future career goals: I would like to become a child psy-chologist in an urban school district.

How has the Upward Bound program helped you? It has helped me to expand my view

when it comes to what college I can attend. Without Upward Bound I would not have known what my options were.

Words of advice for your peers: Get involved in as much as you can and keep your grades up!

One thing you never told anyone: I have a lot of family from Detroit, Mich.

Name: Sy’Anne Boykins

School attending in the fall: Alaska Pacific University

High school honors received: National Honor Society, ROTC Captain

Intended major: Undecided

Future career goals: Enlist in the United States Army

Way to go Seniors! Good luck!

Upward Bound is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Upward Bound

THE UD-UB TIMES

“Onward & Upward”

FAFSA Night and Student Panel One of the most essential tools needed to move forward in higher education — beyond motivation and sheer desire — is money. For most of our UD-UB students, paying for college is not just a factor but sometimes it is the only factor that separates them from pursuing educational dreams that their parents never had the chance to.

In order to help our students, specifically our seniors, get the most up-to-date information concerning finan-cial aid, we reached out to UD’s own Racqueal Gamble, assistant director of financial aid. Gamble expressed to our students the importance of meeting deadlines and getting required information together before completing the FAFSA to ensure it is done efficiently the first time.

She also gave students pamphlets and other tangible resources they could take with them and share with family members about how to get the most possible aid available to cover the total cost of postsecondary education.

UD-UB students also had the pleasure of speaking with current minority UD students about some of the obstacles they have encountered with financial aid and what useful tools they’ve used to bridge the gap be-tween financial need, loans, grants and scholarships.

The UD-UB staff and students would like to thank Ms. Gamble and UD student representatives for their time and efforts; we are truly appreciative.

To our dynamic, destined and determined students, I hope that you all enjoyed taking a look back on the 2012-13 school year and all that we did as a program. Everything that has been presented to you was done for your advantage to move you all onward and upward! I would like to give you all 10 quick things that people have told me over the years that have helped me move forward with purpose and without excuses. So here they are — drum roll please…

1. No one owes you anything! Anything you desire will require work!

2. The only people who are never forgotten are the ones who live as if they are!

3. What are you willing to give up to get what you never thought you could have?

4. Life is not fair ... so what will you do about it?

5. Try your best to be better than the rest because that is where you will find the cream of the crop.

6. If college were easy, there would be no such thing as first-generation college students.

7. Show up and do the work ... don’t complain ... just show up and do the work!

8. You’re awesome, but if the world doesn’t know it, then it’s just a secret between you and me ... go show them!

9. Being cool is okay but being the first in your family to go to college and come back to your community and help is really cool!

10. You are the reason I come to work every day! You may not know it, but you all make me better!

Mr. Jared’s Top 10 List

The Slopes Are in view!

Senior Farewell Spotlight

OGT Boot Camp!

National TRiO Day…

“We Can’t Quit on Our Students!”

Senior Farewell

Welcome Back Edition

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