
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 505-277-5915, lmellas@unm.edu
May 16, 2007
UNM Upward Bound to Receive $443,998 Grant
As part of a $2.22 million Upward Bound grant award to higher education institutions across New Mexico, the University of New Mexico’s Upward Bound program received $443,998 to serve 125 program participants, announced Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo “Cheo” Torres.
The grant allows UNM’s Upward Bound, in existence since 1981, to continue another four years.
Upward Bound is a college-based program that provides academic instruction for first-generation, low-income high school students who are at risk of not going to college.
Participants in Upward Bound receive supplemental instruction in math, science, language arts, and computer sciences during the academic year and attend a summer session that includes intensive services to support academic achievement and college preparation. Students also receive tutoring, mentoring and participate in cultural events and campus visits. They also receive a stipend.
“Our Upward Bound program is part of the university’s commitment to help prepare students for college,” Torres said. “It means that in 2007, 125 students who might not otherwise be able to attend institutions of higher education can do so.”
“When you are a first-generation, low income high school student, you face all kinds of obstacles to the possibility, let alone the reality, of preparing for, affording, and attending a college or university,” Torres said.
Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Education. Statewide, the funding will allow nearly 500 students to take part in the program. Upward Bound at Clovis Community College, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Junior College and New Mexico State University were also funded. UNM received the largest dollar amount to serve the largest number of students.
For more information, contact Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo “Cheo” Torres at 505-277-0952, or at cheo@unm.edu.
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