Indiana Wesleyan University’s TRIO Upward Bound College Preparatory Program, serving low-income and potential first generation college students, is hosting a Senior Affirmation & Celebration from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at the Upward Bound Office located at 4006 S. Boots Street, Marion, Indiana.
The event honors the 13 high school seniors involved in Upward Bound and will begin with affirmations at the Upward Bound office, followed by celebratory activities and dinner in Indianapolis. Combined, the seniors have received more than 40 college acceptance letters, overcome many educational obstacles, and earned several scholarships at the local, state and regional levels.
“I am so proud of our students,” said Jenalee VeenKant, assistant director of Upward Bound. “Throughout high school they have been very dedicated to Upward Bound – participating in tutoring sessions, workshops, campus visits, and our residential summer session. Their hard work has paid off, as they all look forward to beginning their college journeys in the fall!”
“TRIO has instilled an academic confidence in me that allowed me to continue to take honor and college credit classes,” Jada Flowers, Upward Bound senior student. “Without the constant support of the organization’s members motivating me to be better, I think I would have settled for so much less. Even now this organization is continuing to help me with the process of getting ready for college with scholarship opportunities and many life lessons at monthly senior meetings.”
Mission: Upward Bound at Indiana Wesleyan University is a college preparation program providing educational, social, and cultural experiences to local high school students in order to develop them in character, scholarship, and leadership. Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.