Upward Bound assists disadvantaged
Upward Bound provides disadvantaged students with the needed resources and preparation to go to college.
By Sarah McNamara
Staff Reporter

Keisha Shelton received her bachelor’s degree from TCU in 2000. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. At the moment, Shelton is applying to graduate school to earn her Ph.D.

But only six years ago, Shelton she didn’t think she would have an opportunity to go to college.

Shelton credits her success to Upward Bound, a college preparation program for high school students.

Although Shelton says she is referred to as an Upward Bound alumna, she serves as the office’s administrative research coordinator, and spends time managing budgets and counseling students.

Shelton is just one of many Upward Bound success stories since it started on campus 33 years ago. The international program is designed to prepare first-generation, low-income students for college.

Margaret Faust has been the director of the program for 17 years and said Upward Bound exposes students to anything they may need for college.

Faust said the setting of a college campus plays a large role in the student’s achievements.

“They have the academic potential; they just don’t have the resources,” Faust said. “By the time they finish here, they’re ready.”

Faust said 99 percent of the students in Upward Bound go to college and a few from each graduating class attend TCU.

Shanika Brooks, a sophomore criminal justice major, and William Goodrich, a freshman pre-business major are both Upward Bound alumni. Both say they agree the most beneficial aspect of the program is how it prepared them for the transition between high school and college.

The pair now spends time working in the office. While Brooks holds the title of lab coordinator and makes sure the office runs correctly and efficiently, Goodrich organizes the tutoring service and says he is Shanika’s understudy.

“We’re a close group here,” Faust said. “And you can see that.”

Willie Brown, a senior at O.D. Wyatt High School, just began her fourth year with Upward Bound and is planning to attend the University of California, Los Angeles or the University of Southern California next fall.

While many students in the program get information about Upward Bound from their school counselors, Brown said he heard about the program at a local mall and that she really didn’t know what to expect.

“I knew it would give me direction in my education,” Brown said. “But it helped me as a student and as a person.”

Students are required to come to the office two days a week after school as part of the program, Faust said. While there, the students receive tutoring sessions in any subject along with counseling and mentor services. They also participate in workshops and field trips for researching colleges, scholarships and application processes.

The Upward Bound office, which is normally located in the Rickel Building, is temporarily housed in the trailer between Colby and Sherley Halls. Faust said when construction is finished, the expansion will greatly affect the program.

“By upgrading our resources we’re growing with the time of education,” Faust said. “It’s really an ongoing process.”