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The Upward Bound program at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) was recently selected to receive a $40,000 Department of Education grant to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. This one-time supplemental grant will provide monthly computer programming courses for participants, offer several paid internships during the summer Upward Bound Academy, and assist in the purchase of a mobile computer lab.
“I jumped into my new position with both feet and focusing on these grant program goals has been high priority,” said newly named Upward Bound Director Dawn Compton. “I’m confident that these resources will be able to increase both knowledge and interest in careers in the computer science field. I would love to see students graduate from college and then return to improve their communities.”
NEO’s program has had tremendous success over the past five years, with 93% of the students achieving the primary objective, which is to maintain high academic performance by earning a 2.5 grade point average or higher. 96% of NEO Upward bound students score proficient or higher on their standardized tests, and every participant in the program has successfully graduated high school.
“My favorite part of Upward Bound so far has been meeting with students from area high schools,” added Compton. “We have about 70 participants in the program and I am meeting with each of them 1 on 1 to help them set goals for the spring. I am supported by a great Upward Bound team and we are excited for the new year.”
For more information about the Upward Bound program, contact Compton at dacompt@neo.edu.
(Photo: 2017 Upward Bound class)
