CSUMB lands $2.7 million for pre-college program

CSU Monterey Bay’s Upward Bound program will continue to soar for at least five more years – and better than ever.

The program – which guides low-income and first-generation students through the college application process – recently received two grants totaling $2.7 million from the U.S. Department of Education for its next five-year cycle. One grant will continue to fund the existing program; a second grant allows the program to serve two more schools.

The existing program has served students at Soledad and Watsonville high schools since 1999. The second grant will allow the program to expand to Pajaro and North Monterey County high schools.

About 60 students were being served each academic year; with the expansion to Pajaro and North County, that number will double.

The year-round program is divided into two parts. During the academic year, the students receive tutoring, academic advising, college and career exploration and financial aid mentoring from Upward Bound staff members during school visits.

During the six-week summer session, the students live in CSUMB residence halls and participate in academic, social, recreational and cultural activities.

In the past four years, 97 percent of Upward Bound participants graduated from high school and 95 percent continued their education.

“Upward Bound empowers students by giving them the skills to succeed not just in college, but in life,” said Perry Angle, CSUMB director of early outreach and support programs.

To read more about Upward Bound at CSUMB, click here.