CLU Receives Grant from U.S. Department of Education for Upward Bound Program

California Lutheran University has received a five–year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue administering an Upward Bound Program on its campus. The grant is valued at more than $1.6 million. The purpose of the Upward Bound Program is to help low–income high school students prepare for higher education. Currently, 772 programs are in operation throughout the United States.

For the 22nd consecutive summer, CLU is hosting the Traditional Upward Bound Program from June 30 through Aug. 1. The intensive five–week residential program offers low–income high school students an opportunity to live in college dormitories and take academically challenging courses to prepare for college admission.

The federally funded summer program offers students classes in marine biology, English literature, composition and algebra/pre–calculus. Students also have opportunities to take enrichment courses such as SAT/ACT preparation, college readiness and study skills seminars, Web design and theater arts. Community leaders and former Upward Bound students serve as guest speakers and mentors. CLU's program has had 100 percent of its participants graduate from high school and accepted to a minimum of three post secondary institutions. Approximately 70 percent of the Upward Bound alumni graduate from colleges and universities.

"This program is an example of what students can do when they are challenged academically and socially," said Oscar Cobian, director of CLU's Upward Bound Program. "Students leave the program knowing they have accomplished something special and that they have prepared themselves for their futures," he added.

The Traditional Upward Bound Program offers various educational resources year round to students and their parents. CLU also hosts students in the Upward Bound Math and Science program which runs through Aug. 10.

For more information about the Traditional Upward Bound Program, call Oscar Cobian at (805) 493–3351. For more information on the Upward Bound Math and Science Program, contact Joy Brittain at (805) 493–3292.