Student Testimonies

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

Chanel Jerez

Upward Bound has opened doors to seek greater educational opportunities. Being bilingual and in high school Upward Bound was a great support to keep moving forward in my education, providing science, art, history, math, and English classes to reinforce my skills as a student. For me UB was a guide to pursue and continue my education after graduating from high school. I really appreciate a program like UB to be there and to provide information to students, and give an opportunity to look more into their education and be able to grow professionally.

I graduated from my 4 years college in 2020, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and two minors, one in International Studies and another in Spanish. Two years after graduating from college, I did my master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy. I graduated from my master's program in 2026.

Yamel Jerez

Great opportunities can come in different ways and forms, and it is imperative that as we get them, we take advantage of them. In my case, I was blessed to receive an academic opportunity that years later would prepare me academically to start my journey as an undergraduate after graduating from high school in 2015. The opportunity which I am talking about is Upward Bound. This opportunity provided me with the necessary and adequate tools to be successful academically, and eventually graduate from Rowan University. Upward Bound is not only a program for high school students, it is a program that prepares students for success, teaching them the importance of academics, through classes and academic experiences. For me, Upward Bound provided support in mathematics, science, and literature which are of great importance, especially if continuing with your education.

In my experience with Upward Bound, I learned about the importance of being focused, having discipline, and being committed to my education, which later helped me to successfully complete and achieve my academic goal of graduating with honors from Rowan University with a BA in Psychology and two minors (Spanish & International Studies).