By Dominica Jaramillo
How would you like a healthy dose of real life for your high school student?
Racine County’s OIC – Upward Bound program coming right up!
A year round program, Upward Bound provides a number of services aimed at supporting and encouraging Racine’s high school population. From an afterschool study center to cultural activities to career training, Upward Bound’s focus means Racine’s youths receive more preparation for life. But, aside from the Tuesday – Thursday get togethers at OIC’s location, at 1020 Washington Avenue, the kids have an awesome opportunity to do something many won’t ever experience; it’s Upward Bound’s Summer Academic & Career Enrichment Program, and according to program participant and Upward Bound Executive Board member, Mary Laphayvanh, it’s something “you won’t regret!”
Dorm life, class schedules, a part-time job and college entry test preparation are just a few of the experiences Upward Bound’s summer program participants encounter during a five week stint at the University of Wisconsin’s Whitewater campus. Beginning Monday morning, at 6 a.m., the students arise bright and early, for some much needed physical activity. From there the day goes on, with breakfast at 7 a.m. and class at 8 a.m. sharp. Whether studying literature, math, digital photography or science, the students are actively engaged in college classes and lectures until 11:15 a.m. Then, until lunch at 12:20, they hit the books for a required study hour. But, despite an early start, the day has really only just begun for these students. After a short break and something to eat, it’s off to work for the UW-Whitewater Department of Parks and Recreation, where duties are fulfilled and wages are earned. Following their paid effort to maintain and beautify Whitewater, dinner is at 5 p.m.; but the day is not over. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the students continue their real life experience by participating in enrichment activities, cultural activities or preparing for college entry tests. Finally, there are two hours, before lights out at 10:30, for the students to enjoy open recreation…. Then, it’s up and at ‘em at 6:00 a.m., the next day to do it all over again! After five weeks of sticking to schedules, retaining loads of knowledge (during summer break!), working hard and absorbing just a few of life’s many lessons, the students are rewarded with a trip to Atlanta, GA, where they receive a marvelous opportunity to tour many different colleges and see what academic possibilities lie outside Wisconsin.
Advocating the sense of busyness in the outline of their day, an overwhelmed Laphayvanh emphasizes, “We had to do stuff everyday!” Supporting her colleague’s comment, board member and program participant, (See Page 5) Cristina Soria recollects an important factor, “We had to get up so early!” But, aside from the unusual day-to-day schedules, the students graciously acknowledge what Upward Bound has meant for them. Executive Board Vice President and program participant, Darnell Smith prides the program in its ability to “motivate you and push you to try new things.” Laphayvanh adds, “You get to meet a lot of new people who are nice and definately want to help you succeed. You feel so comfortable; it feels like family! You never feel left out.”
OIC employees and program coordinators Cynthia Goss and Maushae Byles oversee the youths during their stay at Whitewater. Supporting students in their day to day is simply part of Goss’ and Byles’ job, however their hearts connect with the youths as they go through the program. “We are really trying to help them invest in their lives”, says Goss, who’s ultimate goal is to give back the encouragement she received as a youngster. “We feel good about what we are doing in the kids’ lives. They are on [the right] path now, with GPA’s that make them eligible for college. They have made tremendous turn-arounds!” says Byles, who used his own personal experiences as his motivation for giving back to his community. Of her overseers, Soria comments, “They are really nice; they are like our parents!” Smith also adds, “If we have problems, we can go to them and talk about it. It’s a great way to bond!”
With 30 of 35 completing the most recent program successfully, it’s no question whether or not the program effectively reaches and renews the minds of the students. Both Goss and Byles foresee many years to come and many more opportunities to share with students what it means to strive for higher education.
For more information on OIC or the Upward Bound program, please visit www.OICRacine.org.
