The Upward Bound (BEM) Program is committed to goals developing a year-round education program which will excite, motivate and prepare 65 target area, school district secondary students and provide quality services to all participants, thus preparing them for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs.
Program Services
The Upward Bound (BEM) Participants receive free tutorial services in their college prep courses and are eligible to receive waivers for the SAT and ACT. Students visit college campuses in Illinois and out-of-state, receive assistance in applying to college and financial aide. Participants receive personal, academic, and career counseling. Students also receive 6 hours of college credit after successfully completing the "Bridge" component. All students attend study skills sessions on time management, note-taking, test taking, ACT preparation, etc.
The summer component is comprised of academic, cultural and recreational activities. Upward Bound (BEM) Program participants begin the six-week summer session immediately after the close of the regular school year. Participants receive stipends for successful participation.
Afternoon sessions in mathematics, science, foreign language, computers, and English are conducted on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center. Students are assigned courses based on their upcoming year's class schedule. This enables student to become familiar with course content prior to official attendance in the class.
