Academic Enrichment

Assessments

Each participant takes the Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED) to determine current achievement level. Using the ITED and other factors, participants are placed in class sections by ability. The Academic Coordinator is then able to work with teachers to address participants’ specific skill challenges.

Academic Support

There is a thematic curriculum each year that contributes to the success of the participants. The theme is incorporated into each core class during the Summer Academy and the objective is to achieve grade level improvement. Activities are also geared toward teaching participants the skills they need to achieve high scores on the MEAP test and achieve grade level improvement.

The Exploratory Class is offered to selected juniors. These participants serve as mentors for freshmen to get them adjusted to the program and to high school. Exploratory participants work independently on unique projects under the guidance of the Academic Coordinator. For example, this Web site was initiated by the 2000-2001 Exploratory Class.

The academic enrichment offered participants throughout high school enables them to stay ahead of their school work. Tutoring is provided by Oakland University students and help is available any time it is needed. University resources, such as Kresge Library and computer labs, are accessible for research or homework assignments. Also, the Project Upward Bound Resource Center has reference books and table-top and laptop computers so that resources and technology are always available to participants.

High School Credit

Through partnership agreements with PUB and the target school districts, PUB participants may earn up to one elective credit per year in their school district. PUB does not award the credit but, rather, notifies the school districts of who has met the requirements and recommends the credit award.

College Preparation

PUB prepares participants for college academically and some financial support is given. ACT preparation is provided starting after completion of the sophomore year. PUB provides registration fee waivers for the first ACT and SAT. Career exploration is provided to give participants background information on the career of their choice. PUB also provides waivers for all college applications and provides hands-on financial aid workshops for seniors and their parents. Oakland University and Oakland Community College both provide on-site admission for all PUB seniors at Saturday Academy. In addition, educational field trips include visits to various college and university campuses and college fairs.

Scholarship Opportunities

Project Upward Bound participants who achieve and persist through high school graduation become eligible for a number of scholarship opportunities.

PUB alumni who choose Oakland University may be eligible for the Glass Memorial Scholarship (which provides awards in the Academic Progress and Academic Achievement categories), the Oakland University Trustee Academic Success Scholarship, the Ameritech/SBA Entrepreneurship Institute Scholarship, and/or the OU School of Business Scholarship.

PUB alumni who choose to attend either Oakland University or other post secondary institutions, may be eligible for the Elizabeth Copeland Glass Education Foundation Scholarship.

Pontiac graduates are eligible to apply for Pontiac Alumni Foundation Scholarships and Oak Park graduates may apply for Oak Park Business and Education Alliance Scholarships. Participants from both Districts may also qualify for Oakland University’s McCree Scholars Program (full tuition for four years).

"Any program that offers "at risk" students the opportunity to enhance their social & educational development is worth a lot of praise. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and look forward to working in this program again."