SKYCTC’s Upward Bound Math Science Program Changing Lives of High School Students

BOWLING GREEN, KY. – The Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) has been instrumental in changing the lives of local high school students by providing academic support, career guidance, and real-world STEM experiences. This federally funded program is part of the larger TRIO program, designed to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions.

The UBMS program at SKYCTC targets first-generation, income eligible high school students and those who demonstrate a strong interest in math and science fields. It offers students tutoring, mentoring, and academic advising. By exposing students to challenging math and science curricula, laboratory research, college campus experiences, and STEM-related career opportunities, UBMS helps them develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue higher education, particularly in STEM fields.

Key features of the program include:

• Academic Enrichment: The program provides tutoring and specialized coursework in math, science, and technology to ensure students are well-prepared for college-level classes.
• STEM Exposure: Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences through lab work, science camps, and field trips, helping them explore careers in areas like engineering, biology, and computer science.
• College Preparation: The program offers test preparation (e.g., ACT/SAT), college visits, and financial aid workshops to assist students in navigating the college application process.
• Summer Programs: Many students participate in summer programs that give them a taste of college life while deepening their understanding of STEM subjects.
  According to Dr. Chris George, Director of TRIO programs at SKYCTC, the program is a federal grant program based out of the Department of Education with the purpose of helping first generation and income eligible students navigate their high school experience with the aim of continuing afterwards to a college or university of their choice.

 “We want the students to get a feel for what actual college courses are like, and our goal is to ensure that the students in the program are college ready when they complete the program,” George said.

Schools participating through SKYCTC’s grant are Franklin-Simpson High School, Logan County High School, Russellville High School, and Todd County Central High School.

The SKYCTC UBMS program strives to create a culture of fun and opportunity. So far, this year SKYCTC’s UBMS program held their kickoff event at the Logan County Career & Technical Center, hosted their first Discovery Saturday Event, and took high school juniors and seniors to the National College Fair held in Covington, KY.

On Saturday October 5th, the freshmen and sophomore students went to Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Milton Hershey School invited the group to their plant to learn more about the opportunity to attend their school for their junior and senior years of high school. 

UBMS not only helps students academically, but the program also helps students build character and motivates them to be positive examples in their communities.

Throughout the program, students can receive standardized test preparation, after-school tutoring, career planning, college admissions assistance and financial aid assistance. Participants are also able to go on educational and cultural trips through the six-week summer residential program.

For more information on SKYCTC's TRIO programs including UBMS contact:
Dr. Chris George
Director of TRIO Programs
Email: chris.george@kctcs.edu
Phone: 270/901-1078