Communications

USF’s Upward Bound’s Math and Science program starts the first year strong.

The Upward Bound Program (UPB) at the University of South Florida (USF) has reached new heights in its commitment to empowering high school students from first-generation and low-income families, particularly in the fields of math and science. With the receipt of a renewed grant specifically targeting these disciplines, the program has marks its inaugural year of enhanced programming.

Upward Bound’s Math & Science programming infuses more STEM into the curriculum. It is designed to strengthen math and science skills, exposure to STEM fields, opportunities, STEM faculty, and scientific research.

One of the highlights of this first year was a collaboration with the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame (FIHF) at USF. FIHF created a two-week curriculum called Rising TIDE (Transformers, Innovators, Disruptors & Entrepreneurs) innovation education program. Here the students learned about the ideation of inventions, applying for a patent, and other steps along an inventor's journey.

Rising TIDE participants were put in groups and came up with a product they would sell and created a ten-minute Shark Tank-style pitch to a panel of inventors on why their product was needed and how they would market it.

Through these activities, students learned about teamwork, the processes involved with inventions, and an incredible opportunity to present and influence the sale of a product they created.

Other USF collaborations for STEM student learning include visiting the annual Engineering Expo hosted by the College of Engineering. Students are exposed to engineering vendors, faculty, current research, and engineering projects happening in the college. Also, touring USF Health Medical School where they experience working in medical labs, learning how to identify symptoms, diagnose the illness, and diagnose what the treatment is.

Ray Cabrera, director of Upward Bound said, “At this stage of life, teenagers are self-reflective, learning who they are, discovering what they are good at and what piques their interest. Exposure to a variety of careers helps them make better decisions for their future.”

“When I found out I was accepted into the Upward Bound Math and Science program, I was so excited and joyful that I got this lifetime opportunity to be a part of the program. The Upward Bound program is a program that not only benefits high school students but also helps students improve their self-confidence in addition to providing valuable information about college and other useful skills that can be applied in the real world. 

Being a part of the Upward Bound program has taught me strength that I didn't know I had. For example, when the program offered a two-week business workshop, I was able to learn my top five strengths, which are arranger, empathy, context, deliberative, and adaptability. Being able to know those strengths can benefit me when using them in real-life situations like job interviews or improving my communication skills. 

When I started the program, my overall self-confidence improved by a milestone. I learned about what I'm good at and how to be more assertive. I also learn how to improve my communication skills by talking to groups and learning communication methods.

Overall being a part of Upward Bound was the best decision I ever made by helping students improve in self-confidence and proving benefits that can be applied in the real world.”

Chanukah Dubuisson – Class of 2024

This past fall Upward Bound students took a trip to Puerto Rico and hiked through the rainforest where they saw streams and waterfalls. They learned about the rainforest ecosystems, how they were formed, and the importance of rainforest conservation.

Throughout the year UPB Math & Science program students receive the same tutoring, college preparation, advising, career exploration, college visits, cultural experiences, and more as other Upward Bound program participants. The students meet on Saturdays, take college tours during spring break, and have six weeks of daily programming including two weeks of staying overnight on campus.

USF’s Upward Bound program is the largest and longest-running program in the country beginning in June 1966.