Student Testimonies

Upward Bound students have successfully pursued careers within non-profit organizations, academia, entrepreneurship and more

Helenyi Santiago

"Upward Bound has been the best resource I could ever asked for as it helped during high school with overcoming language barriers, connect me with networks and continues to assist with many of my career endeavors".

-Upward Bound Program 2010-2013

Mellissa Harrow

"The Upward Bound program was crucial in my transition from high school to college: due to the support system it has in place to help its students succeed. Upward Bound created a safe space for me to express and grow as an individual. It also prepared me for college which has shown me the many benefits of the program and its importance to the community".

-Upward Bound Program from 2012-2014

Felix Cartagena

"The Upward Bound program was the foundation and my main motivation to go to college to serve and give back to my community. I served as an Upward Bound mentor from 2015-2019 while a student at Rowan. The program is great to educate low-icome, first generation students. The program truly prepares students to do well and succeed in life".

-Upward Bound 2012-2015

Daniel Helena-Oquendo

"UB helped me with getting exposure to the college environment as well as terminologies. Thanks to the UB program I felt ready to take on college classes with just being in the country for a year and half (not really knowing the language). Also it provided exposure to different resources that a University provides. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to participate in the program and now that I am working within HigherEd I am always promoting opportunity programs and sharing my experiences with potentially college students".

-Upward Bound 2012-2014