Each summer approximately 105 Upward Bound students come from area high schools (identified in UB grant) to attend a 6-week summer program. With the implementation of the 2012-2017 UB grant, the new model of the summer program includes: 10 community-based days (2-weeks in local communities learning & participating in a variety of activities including, but not limited to: service learning, leadership development, job shadowing, cultural events, college visits and/or intensive tutoring and skill development) and 20 residential days (4-weeks on campus). Students will live on the beautiful Central College campus in Pella during the residential component. Each Upward Bound summer program day, students are busy having fun, making new friends, and improving their academic skills before next school year. Students are expected to participate in the entire 6-week summer program, both the community-based and residential components.

Participants live on the beautiful Central College campus during the residential component of the summer program. This experience engages students in:

• College preparatory classes in math, science, foreign language, composition, literature, the social sciences and the arts.
• Developing new academic, social and personal skills.
• Matching personal goals and qualities with college and career options.
• Learning about college admissions and financial aid processes.
• Exploring America’s rich cultural life and heritage.
• Interacting with and appreciate people from diverse economic, ethnic, racial or social backgrounds.

UB students arrive at Central College each June to live for 4-weeks* in the college residence halls. A college student Tutor-Counselor (TC) resides with and advises approximately 10 students.  Meals are provided through Central College’s dining facility. Each weekday, students participate in academic classes with lots of active, hands-on learning opportunities.  Course selections are made taking into account each student’s academic development and should support improved performance during the following academic year. UB typically does not award high school credit.  However, some participating high schools choose to grant elective credit for successful completion of UB courses. UB students do have the opportunity to earn free Central College credit for college level course offerings each summer they successfully complete. Nightly activities are planned for UB students to enjoy. After classes, students may participate in fun activities led by college tutor-counselors or staff, workout in the College gym facilities, or just relax with friends in the Maytag Student Center. Dances, game nights, contracted entertainers, and other get-togethers set the stage for great memories and new, lasting friendships. Students enjoy a weekend field trip to a major city, such as Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis**, or St Louis.  Students visit major attractions, attend cultural events, and visit college campuses in the area.

*Students remain in residence during move-in weekend for orientation activities and course/project introduction, and 20 instructional days, including a major field trip; students return home on weekends.
**Students will be going to Minneapolis, MN during the summer 2013 program.

2013 Summer Program Calendar – Major dates for parents and students

(M) June 3-(F) June 7
Week 1, Community-Based Component
(F) June 7
Student Testing at community sites by admin staff
(Sat) June 8
All students move onto campus, Central College, Pella
(Sat) June 8-(Sun) June 9
Students in residence / Community-building activities
(Sun) June 9
Project overview by teaching staff / student sign-up,1-2 pm
1^st day of academic classes (abbrev. schedule), 2-4:40 pm
Bridge student seminar, 1-4 pm
(M) June 10
Full-day of academic classes / Bridge class begins
(M) June 10-(F) June 14
Week 2, Residential-Component
(F) June 14-(Sun) June 16
Students go home for the weekend
Depart (F) 4:00 pm; Return to campus (Sun) 7:00 pm
(M) June 17-(F) June 21
Week 3, Residential-Component
(F) June 21-(Sun) June 23
Students go home for the weekend
Depart (F) 4:00 pm; Return to campus (Sun) 7:00 pm
(M) June 24-(F) June 28
Week 4, Residential-Component
(F) June 28
Last full-day of academic classes / Bridge class ends
Students remain on campus Friday evening for Gala
(Sat) June 29
Visitor’s Day & Academic Showcase / Last day on campus
Students move out of dorms, 1:00-2:30 pm
Students and families must be off campus by 2:30 pm
Þ (M) July 1-(W) July 3
Week 5, Residential-Component
Out-of-Classroom Enrichment-Field trip to Minneapolis
(M) July 1
Students picked up for field trip
(W) July 3
Students return to homes (NOT campus) from field trip
Bridge program ends
(TH) July 4-(Sun) July 7
Holiday Break- students at home
(M) July 8-(F) July 12
Week 6, Community-Based Component   
(F) July 12
Final day of summer 2013 program / Culminating activity at Adventureland