Students at Pender Early College, Pender High, and Heide Trask High School have access to valuable college-prep support through Upward Bound, a federally funded program designed to help students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for life after high school.
The program serves eligible students who demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and come from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Through tutoring, mentoring, college visits, academic enrichment experiences, and a six-week summer program on Cape Fear Community College’s campus, Upward Bound helps students develop a clear path toward higher education — at no cost to participating families.
This summer, students have taken part in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including college pathway activities, CFCC campus tours, academic and creative writing, local history lessons, Spanish instruction, college visits, and other enrichment opportunities. The program is also scheduled to conclude its six-week summer academy with a four-day trip to Boston, Massachusetts, where students will visit Harvard University, Boston College, Salem State University, and other educational and cultural sites.
Two Pender Early College students, rising seniors Sal Madison and Maritza Mendoza, were also selected to participate in the Council for Opportunity in Education’s National Student Leadership Congress. Only 100 students from across the United States were accepted for the five-day leadership experience at American University. Participants engaged in community service, college and career workshops, a day on Capitol Hill, and a Mock Congress. Maritza’s group won the Mock Congress debate.
“I had a lot of fun and I got to meet a lot of new people,” Maritza said. “TRIO has given me a lot of opportunities that I would’ve never thought I would’ve had.”
Upward Bound is currently recruiting students. Families interested in learning more or applying can visit cfcc.edu/upward-bound/. Questions may be sent to cfcc.upwardbound@mail.cfcc.edu.
