June 3, 2007 — In its 43 years of service to the territory, the Upward Bound program has helped ready thousands of students for college. Yet, due to a possible loss in federal funding, the program may not be able to help equip future students with the tools they need for success in the world of higher education.
"When students come into the program, they have no clue about their future," program director Rosalia Rohan said. "By the time they've gone through the program, they're completely focused and committed to their future."
The possible loss of funding has Rohan worried about future students who may not benefit from the wealth of knowledge the program has to offer. "The program takes away a lot of hopelessness," she said.
In her almost 30 years with the program, Rohan has seen the program benefit students who have gone on to become lieutenant governors, lawyers and prominent business people within the community.
"I really believe Upward Bound makes a difference in the lives of the students we serve, and it's a shame what's happening," Rohan said.
The program is federally funded and geared toward low-income families whose children are the first generation to attend college.
"If your family is low income, your focus may be to go to work before college," said assistant director Michelle Albany. The program is geared to those students who may not have the tools necessary to maneuver through the maze that college can become, she said.
Recent changes in the government illustrate there might be a loss of funding to the program, according to Albany.
"A college education is not cheap," Albany said, further explaining Upward Bound does not give students money for college but instead gives students the resources they need to complete college and get a four-year degree.
She and Rohan are incredibly passionate about the students they help and the students they have yet to help. Both are anxious to attend the high school graduations of some of their current students. "My babies are going to college!" Albany said.
The program continues throughout the student's college career, Albany said, beginning with the application process and continuing to monitor their student's progress throughout.
"Education is an integral part of everyone's life," Albany said. "With the world today, you can do almost nothing without a college degree even if you want to be a star basketball player."
Students who have completed the eighth grade are referred to the program through their teachers or school counselors. Students are then required to complete an application, which requires their academic history, an essay on their career goals, parent salary information and letters of recommendation from the counselor or teacher. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better. Albany said the program is accepting applications although there is a waiting list.
To find out more about the Upward Bound program, contact Michelle Albany at 692-4182 on St. Croix or Rosalia Rohan at 693-1130 on St. Thomas; or you can check out their website.
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