UAFS program helps ensure student success

Editor’s note: This story submitted courtesy of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

When the first Upward Bound program began a few years ago at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, the goal was to promote success in high school and post-secondary education to the 50 area high school students who were selected. Some of that success continues to be seen right on the UAFS campus.

Upward Bound, a federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education helping 9th-12th grade students, has a mission to ensure that first generation and lower-income students are afforded the same opportunity to attend college as all other students.

Stephanie Chanthakhot of Fort Smith participated in Upward Bound while at Northside High School prior to her graduation in May 2009. Chanthakhot is now a full-time UAFS student and is employed in the Financial Aid Office as a student worker.

Chanthakhot said Upward Bound’s Bridge program, held the summer after high school graduation, helped her in the college selection process.

"Upward Bound prepared me for college because it immersed me in what college is all about and helped me, especially with college visits," she said. "We had this workshop called ‘College Road Trip.’ It really opened my eyes to how much college costs, but how beneficial it is."

Debbie Campbell, who was Debbie Banos while in Upward Bound, has been a full-time UAFS student a little longer than Chanthakhot.

Campbell, a 2007 graduate of Hackett High School, was named a University Student Ambassador in 2007, has been on the Dean’s List and has participated in several dramatic productions staged on campus. She also received a state theatre award. Theatre director Bob Stevenson of Fort Smith speaks highly of Campbell.

"Debbie has been a part of our program since she was in high school and taking part in the Western Arkansas Technical Center on our campus," said Stevenson. "When she graduated from high school, she became a theatre major and is now working to finish her degree. Since day one, Debbie has been ambitious about learning."

Campbell said her transition between high school and college was easier because of Upward Bound.

"Even though I graduated from a small school, I felt well prepared to start college," she stated. "I think the most valuable resources that Upward Bound gave me are the ability to study, manage my time and find resources available to students.”

Jeffrey Meyers of Booneville was also a summer Bridge program participant. Meyers graduated from Mansfield High School in May 2009. He said the Bridge program helped by showing him what it was like to live away from home on a college campus.

"It also showed me how keeping a school schedule with a work schedule — and maintaining a balance — is important in order to not stress myself out," said Meyers, who said he also enjoyed the social aspects of the program.

The initial program at UAFS, now called Upward Bound Classic, still exists, along with one called Upward Bound Math/Science, which introduces students to opportunities in math and science and encourages them to pursue post-secondary degrees in those fields.

Diana Rowden, dean of Student Success at UAFS, said there are 100 Upward Bound participants each year at UAFS. Current Upward Bound students are from junior high and high schools in Alma, Cedarville, Charleston, Fort Smith, Hackett, Hartford, Mansfield and Van Buren.

"They also learn the importance of giving back through community service," she said. "They are exposed to educational and cultural experiences while in high school, and then when they come to the university, they are anxious to be involved. We are very proud when these students choose to come to UA Fort Smith."

The Upward Bound Classic program at UAFS is staffed by Laura Henson of Van Buren, director, and Trish Byrd of Fort Smith, coordinator. Upward Bound Math/Science director is Don Nix of Winslow, with Amanda Seidenzahl of Van Buren as coordinator. Carly Flanagan of Fort Smith is tutor coordinator for the programs.

The first UAFS Upward Bound program came in 2003 as the result of a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, with a second grant starting in 2008 and continuing until 2012. The Upward Bound Math/Science program began in 2007, with that grant running until 2011. Each grant allocates $250,000 a year to fund the UAFS programs.