2023 UBMS graduates

TRIO UPWARD BOUND MATH-SCIENCE

TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS) is a year-round college readiness program to help high school students successfully develop their academic skills. We help students recognize and strengthen their potential in math and science while encouraging them to pursue post-secondary degrees and ultimately careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The program, which serves Abingdon-Avon, Galesburg, Knoxville and Monmouth-Roseville school districts in Knox and Warren Counties, helps high school students excel in secondary and post-secondary education. The program serves 60 area high school students, grades 9-12, on an annual basis. Once a student has been selected to participate in the program, he or she will continue to receive Upward Bound Math-Science services throughout their high school career. Limited follow-up services are provided as Upward Bound Math-Science staff track program graduates as they complete their post-secondary education.

Participants of TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science attend all functions and activities at no cost to them.

 

HOW TO JOIN UPWARD BOUND MATH-SCIENCE

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States attending high school at one of the four high schools served in Knox County, IL or Warren County, IL;
  • Meet income eligibility guidelines and/or
  • Be a first-generation college-bound student (meaning neither parent with whom you reside holds a four-year college degree); and
  • Complete the Upward Bound Math-Science application process. 

TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science is a federally funded TRIO grant originally developed from the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964. Upward Bound Math-Science helps increase the success of income-eligible students in post-secondary education. Carl Sandburg College received its first TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science grant in the Fall of 2017.  

Upward Bound Math-Science services

Academic-year services

The Sandburg Upward Bound Math-Science program offers a number of services to its participants throughout the school year. Weekly, Upward Bound Math-Science staff meet with program students at their schools of attendance during a free period or during the lunch hour. Topics of discussion at these meetings range from academic skill development to college and financial aid assistance. Upward Bound Math-Science staff also meet with students outside of the school setting at least a few times each month. A college Saturday event is held once a month on the Sandburg campus that involves topics related to college success. Upward Bound Math-Science also provides its students with off-campus experiences each month, and these may include college visits, trips to museums, theater performances, etc.  

Academic tutoring is a service offered to all UBMS participants on a weekly basis. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tutoring schedule is as follows;

  • Monday through Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at Carl Sandburg College
  • Online 24/7 through the Carl Sandburg College Brainfuse tutoring portal. (All UBMS participants are provided with a login to access Brainfuse.)
  • After-school tutoring provided at each partner school (schedules available for students).

Sandburg UBMS participants are also expected to complete eight hours of community service each program year. Students can either participate in Upward Bound Math-Science volunteer activities or they may take part in community service opportunities elsewhere. It is important for UBMS participants to be active members of the community and make a positive impact on others. 

                                 

Summer programming

The Upward Bound Math-Science program includes a summer component that participants attend each year. Following freshman and sophomore years, participants indulge in a five-week, on-campus summer academy. While on campus, students work on projects, take classes in math, science, English and foreign language, attend college visits, take field trips and even participate in some community service opportunities. As part of the summer academy experience, students are paid a stipend based upon their attendance and participation.

After their junior year, students will have the opportunity to complete a professional internship for their summer experience. Internships take place during the months of June and July, and participants are allowed to work up to 10 hours per week with their employer. Based upon a student's academic and career interests, UBMS staff will arrange for a professional internship within the UBMS target area. Students gain valuable career insight as part of their summer opportunity and are able to get an early start with their professional networking.  

Newly graduated seniors can participate in the Summer Bridge program for their summer experience. Graduates are able to take up to 3 credit hours for free at Carl Sandburg College. The Summer Bridge program provides a great opportunity for newly graduated seniors to build on their college experiences and complete credits with the support of the UBMS staff.

Upon the conclusion of the on-campus summer academy, Upward Bound Math-Science will take an extended trip. Some destinations could include Chattanooga, Huntsville, Minneapolis, New York City, Denver, Charleston, St. Louis, Chicago or Houston. Students will have the opportunity to explore STEM-related fields of study, visit college campuses, attend cultural events, and have fun with friends and UBMS staff!

UBMS application packet
Recruitment information

TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS) is currently recruiting students for the 2024-2025 academic year. 8th-, 9th-, 10th- and 11th-grade students are encouraged to apply! We serve Galesburg, Knoxville, Abingdon-Avon and Monmouth-Roseville high schools.

Applications are due on Friday, April 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. for Fall 2024 program enrollment.

Application QR Code
Apply now!

Please do not hesitate to contact our office with questions regarding the application process, eligibility or deadlines. 

Meet the staff

A portrait of Randi Torrance

Project Director:
Randi Torrance
309.341.5278
Picture coming soon Advisor:
Lauren Eurales
309.341.5228
Advisor:
To be filled

    

 

Non-discrimination policy

Non-discrimination policy

Please refer to our non-discrimination policy for specific details.

Contact us

Carl Sandburg College Upward Bound Math-Science
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd., E136
Galesburg, IL 61401
309.341.5278
Hours: Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Carl Sandburg College Upward Bound Math-Science program is 100% funded in the amount of $309,505 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.