The Upward Bound Math-Science Academic Year Session includes three main components.
There are eight Saturday Sessions spread throughout the academic year, one per month, September - December and January - April. Four of the sessions are virtual, via Zoom, and four of the sessions are in-person at Lyon College in Batesville, AR. Each session ranges from 1-5 hours in length. Students receive a $20-$40 stipend for each Saturday Session they attend.
Saturday Session activities include, but are not limited to, ACT boot camps, FAFSA workshops, STEM guest speakers, hands-on STEM workshops, virtual college tours, financial literacy curriculum, resume & interview workshops, and soft skill exercises.
Students meet with their Academic Advisor, a UBMS staff member, four times throughout the academic year, once per quarter. All meetings are virtual, via Zoom, and are approximately 30 minutes in length. Students receive a $20 stipend for each Academic Advising meeting they attend.
Academic Advising discussion topics include, but are not limited to, academic progress, tutoring needs, ACT prep/registration, ACT score report analysis, college(s) of interest, potential course(s) of study in college, potential career(s) of interest, job shadowing/internship opportunities, FAFSA/financial aid, college application aid, and personal mentoring.
Each student writes an APA formatted research paper in the fall semester. Students either choose a topic related to the research they complete during the Residential Summer Session or a STEM topic of their choosing. Students receive a $20 stipend for completing the research paper.
The purpose of the assignment is to encourage students to pursue STEM research and to strengthen the academic skills needed for success in college. A variety of resources, including one-on-one tutoring and APA workshops, are provided to aid students.