Student Success Stories

Helenyi Santiago

Student in the Upward Bound Program 2010-2013

Rowan University 2013-2017

Currently attending graduate school, working as a care manager at Camden County Partnership for Children and an Upward Bound Assistant.

"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".

Mellissa Harrow

Student in the Upward Bound Program from 2012-2014

Graduated from Rowan University in 2019 with a degree in biological sciences

Currently working as a Behavioral Assistant at Children's Continuum of Care and lead mentor at the Upward Bound program.

"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. Being a bilingual student, it 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".

Daniel Helena-Oquendo

Student in Upward Bound 2012-2014

Bloomfield College 2014-2018

Working within Higher Education as an Admission Counselor at Montclair State University.

"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".

Felix Cartagena

Student in Upward Bound 2012-2015

Rowan University 2015-2020

Asthma Prevention Specialist (PAPP Program) - Hispanic Family Center for Southern New Jersey Inc.

Bilingual Community Health Worker- Hispanic Family Center for Southern New Jersey Inc.

"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 bilingual ESL students. It's very diverse and truly prepares students to do well and succeed in life".