ATHENS -
Concord University's Upward Bound Program has received more than $640,000 in federal funding for two programs that provide academic skills and motivation for area high school students in their pursuit of a college degree.
A grant in the amount of $390,929 was awarded to continue service to 87 eligible participants annually from five rural target high schools in McDowell, Mercer and Summers counties.
A new program that will serve 60 additional eligible participants per year from Princeton and PikeView high schools in Mercer County, and James Monroe High School in Monroe County is being funded through a second grant for $249,960.
These grants are for the first budget period that runs from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2013. It is anticipated that the grants will be for a total of five years.
The Concord University Upward Bound Program was highlighted in the U.S. Department of Education's Programs of Excellence, the only program nationwide to receive this distinction.
Pamela D. McPeak is director of the Upward Bound Program at Concord and has served in that capacity since 1996.
Students participating in Upward Bound receive tutorial assistance at their local high schools, attend Saturday enrichment sessions, and spend six weeks each summer in a residential college setting at Concord University where they receive instruction by certified school teachers in math, English, reading, science, foreign language, computer technology and other academic classes.
Students receive assistance with financial aid, college admissions, scholarships, the ACT and SAT tests and career counseling. The program also allows students to participate in cultural trips, campus visits to in-state and out-of-state colleges and many other activities.
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