Upward Bound Math & Science Grant

 San Antonio College receives Upward Bound Math & Science Grant;
Second grant to benefit SAISD High School Students

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Oct. 5, 2012) – San Antonio College has been selected to receive a $1.25 million grant ($250,000 per year for five years) from the U.S. Department of Education for a new  Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) program for 9th through 12th grade students at Highlands High School.

This announcement comes on the heels of SAC's Upward Bound award at Fox Tech and Lanier  high schools and UBMS award at Edison high School, which means SAC is hosting nearly $4 million in programs that will serve low-income youth in SAISD for the next five years.

“This major grant allows us to provide the resources necessary to help Highland High School students succeed academically and move on to college,” said President Robert Zeigler. “This grant fits in with San Antonio's vision to become a magnet for STEM employers, the CyberCity USA initiative and similar programs.”

Nationwide, there were 160 UBMS awards,  quite possibly one of the most competitive rounds in the program's history. The Department of Education gave UBMS an extra $10 million for this year's competition.

UBMS will provide tutoring, college readiness instruction, assistance in applying for college admissions and financial aid, financial literacy workshops and a summer academic program that emphasizes math and science to prepare students for their next year of study in high school or college. UBMS students can take advantage of a Summer Bridge program that allows graduating seniors to earn up to seven hours of college credit from SAC free of charge, and UBMS students will have opportunities to participate in a grant-funded summer research experience at University of The Incarnate Word each summer.

The SAC Upward Bound Math Science program will assist 56 students each year with six credits of college for summer bridge. At least two-thirds of all participants must be low-income and potential first-generation college students.

UBMS is one of eight Department of Education TRIO programs that assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities in progressing through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. Students are recommended for the program by teachers and counselors.

For more information about TRIO programs, visit www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html
For more information about UBMS at SAC, contact Project Director Linda Leech at 210-486-0895 or lleech1@alamo.edu.

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