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The Upward Bound Program at NMH is a federally funded initiative designed
to provide low income students with the skills and motivation needed to
go on to college. Sixty-five students participate each summer in a six-week
residential program. The students come from Holyoke and Springfield,
Massachusetts; and from four target schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts.
While on campus students pursue a course of study designed to enhance
their overall level of achievement with special emphasis placed on developing
and strengthening English, math, and science skills. A foreign language
curriculum is also offered to each student. Students also participate
in regularly scheduled athletic and cultural activities, and receive both
career and college counseling. The program strives to promote, through
workshops and weekly meetings, increased awareness and appreciation of
the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity reflected in the project's
participants.
The regular academic year follow-up is an important feature of the Upward
Bound program. Individually scheduled meetings are set up between participating
students and program staff to regularly discuss progress and address any
problems either educational, social, or emotional, that the
participant may be experiencing. When necessary, the services of subject
area tutors are provided. While academic achievement and college placement
are the main priority, the Upward Bound Program at Northfield Mount Hermon
School also works to increase awareness and appreciation in
its participants of the importance of community service.
During the regular academic year, project participants are required
to participate in 52 hours of community service. The Upward Bound program
is assisted with community service placement by several social service
agencies in each of
the target areas. Students may choose the area of service in which they
would like to take part.
Hours: Weekly meetings at lunch and after school in target schools. Six
week residential program on Gill campus in summer.
Ages: Students are recruited in the spring of their freshman, sophomore
and junior year in high school.
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