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Frankfort, Ky- Kentucky State University’s Upward Bound program concluded its enriching six-week summer camp on Saturday, July 20, 2024, with a closing ceremony held on Tuesday, July 23rd. This year, a dozen high school students from the Franklin County region participated, gaining valuable experiential skills and insights into college life.

The Upward Bound program is instrumental in fostering the growth and development of both future and current students. Current KSU students have the opportunity to earn extra income by working as paid Resident Assistants (RAs) and mentors/tutors. This summer, six current students were involved, with three serving as peer tutors and mentors and three as RAs. The high school participants stayed in KSU's new dormitory, Young Hall, and experienced firsthand what it’s like to live on campus. Additionally, nine students were dual enrolled at Kentucky State University, taking COM 103.

Aniyon Jones, a recent graduate of Frankfort High School and incoming freshman at KSU, shared his positive experience: "This is not my first year attending Upward Bound, and I enjoy the opportunity to see what campus is like and make friends before beginning the semester."

During their stay, students immersed themselves in various new experiences, including horseback riding and a trip to Washington, D.C. Kim Goldring, the Upward Bound director, stated, "Many of my students have expressed their excitement about the program and their experiences. I'm glad that we're able to provide them with experiential learning and first-time experiences. My hope is to continue to reach all students in the area who can benefit from the Upward Bound program."

6-Week Summer Program Schedule:

• June 11, 2024: Franklin Square Movie Theatre
• June 12, 2024: Malibu Jack's
• June 14, 2024: Conflict resolution workshop with Asbury College
• June 17, 2024: Capitol Bowl
• June 21, 2024: Louisville Slugger Museum and Muhammad Ali Center
• June 26, 2024: Champs Roller Rink
• June 28, 2024: Kentucky Horse Park
• July 2, 2024: Chef Paris Porter (KSU Alum, selected for KSU 40 under 40) visited campus and cooked with Upward Bound students
• July 3, 2024: Broadway Clay
• July 12, 2024: Morehead College Visit and Space Science Center
• July 17-20, 2024: Washington, D.C. Trip

About the Upward Bound Program:

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program designed to provide support to participants aspiring to obtain a college degree. The program includes rigorous academic and summer components and accepts students who are low-income and/or first-generation college-bound. The KSU Upward Bound Program also accepts ninth graders at risk for academic failure. Our mission is to motivate, assist, and promote qualified high school students to pursue a four-year college degree by building their academic skills and social development through exposure to a variety of career, cultural, academic, and social experiences. 

For further inquiries, please contact: Kim Goldring, Upward Bound Director

Phone: (502) 597-7015
Email: upward.bound@kysu.edu / kim.goldring@kysu.edu