The purpose of the Upward Bound Math/Science Center at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, is to prepare high school students for post-secondary educational programs leading to careers in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science Center is made possible through a grant designed to serve 50 students each year throughout the funding cycle. The Center selects these students from low income and/or first generation families in a five-state area.

Our mission statement follows:

 

Evidence for Mission Statement 1.3

    1. The mission is consistent with that of the host institution and the CAS standards.

The Mission Statement of the Upward Bound Math/Science Program
The ECU Upward Bound Math/Science program supports the University’s Student Development mission by preparing low income and/or first generation high school students from the target area to enter college and pursue a bachelor degree in the math or science career field.

Assumptions that Help Us Achieve Our Mission
The program provides high school students with mentors in the math and science career fields that help guide the students toward the goal.

The program provides high school students with academic instruction in both the academic year and a six-week summer program that help increase the students’ academic skills.

The program provides the high school students with job shadowing opportunities and internships with professionals already established in the math and science career fields.  These activities help the students become better informed about the responsibilities of different occupations.

The program provides the high school students with cultural activities, educational tours, and field trips that help participants grow in knowledge. 

All of these components help build a well rounded educational foundation for the participant so they will enroll in post-secondary education, matriculate through college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree and enter into a math or science career field.

 

The Upward Bound Math/Science Program consists of two components. One component is a residential six-week summer school session. The other component consists of academic follow-up activities, which are designed for students to complete throughout the school year.

During the six-week summer program, the students are provided with course work that motivates them toward an interest in a math or science field. The classes are designed to provide the students "hands-on" activities, instead of utilizing the regular lecture and text-book approach. The students are provided internships at Valley View Regional Hospital, Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Lab and the Noble Foundation. They are also exposed to intense academic and personal counseling that educates them about accessing higher education and financial aid.

During the academic year follow-up program, the students are required to research a science topic and produce a research paper. The students communicate with teammates in other states over the Internet. The students are required to participate in weekly counseling activities throughout the academic year. These weekly counseling activities are sent through the mail to encourage and motivate the students toward excellence in education.

The program encourages matriculation of the student body. Each year the Center selects ninth grade students to replace out-going graduating seniors. The program encourages parental involvement. The Director travels to the school systems to meet with the school administrators and parents. This meeting begins a three year relationship between the Upward Bound Math/Science Center, the selected students, and their parents.

For more information, contact:

Upward Bound Regional Math/Science Center
East Central University
Ada, Oklahoma 74820-6899
(580) 310-5189