The National Park College (NPC) Upward Bound program was recently awarded a $1,488,005 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This renewal grant will provide funding over a five-year period.
The grant enables the NPC Upward Bound program to provide income eligible, first-generation students the fundamental support they need to graduate high school and pursue a post-secondary education. “The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education,” said Becky McAlister, Upward Bound director.
Upward Bound serves 60 students in ninth through twelfth grades at Hot Springs World Class High School and Mountain Pine High School. Since 2017, Upward Bound has been instrumental in making an impact in the lives of Garland County students. “We are honored to continue our partnerships with Hot Springs World Class High School and Mountain Pine High School for another five years. We are fortunate to work with amazing, hard-working students that possess the determination to reach their educational goals,” said McAlister.
“We just completed Upward Bound’s month-long Summer Academy held on NPC’s campus,” said McAlister. During the month of June students come to campus five days per week where they attend college structured classes in the following subjects: Math, English, Science, Spanish, ACT preparation and participate in cultural awareness activities. “This is my first year as director and I am beyond impressed by the dedication of our students. Their eagerness to learn and willingness to put in the work necessary is an inspiration to all. It is an honor to support them and one day see their college dreams realized,” she added.
