AUBURN — The University of Maine at Farmington’s Upward Bound program will be explained at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, at the Auburn Public Library. Interested students, their parents and guardians are invited to attend.

One of eight federal TRIO programs designed to serve individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, Upward Bound projects provide academic support to high school students in mathematics, science, English and foreign languages. They also provide mentoring and counseling services to students and their families during the college search and financial aid process.

The UMF program is one of 956 Upward Bound programs nationwide. The programs help over 70,000 students acquire the knowledge and skills they need to access and succeed in college.

Students participate in the Upward Bound program throughout high school. During the academic year, UB staff meet with students at the high school to provide support and guidance in college access and success. UB students also participate in monthly college trips, cultural events and reunions.

In addition to its program during the school year, Upward Bound offers an intensive six-week summer experience. During that time, students stay on the UMF campus, attend classes and participate in social and cultural activities designed to help them think about their futures.

Students also have the opportunity to engage in the program’s summer career experience where they serve in one of over 30 internships at local businesses, schools, public offices and nonprofit organizations. All services and activities are free to students.

Since it first began in 1980, UMF’s Upward Bound program has helped over 500 high school students prepare for higher education. Of those Upward Bound participants who have enrolled in college since the class of 2000, 92 percent — more than three times the national average — have enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at public and private colleges and universities throughout the country.

For more details and information on these and other teen programs, continue to check the Auburn Public Library calendar at http://www.auburnpubliclibrary.org (click on Events at the top of the page); call APL at 207-333-6640, ext. 4; or email the teen librarian at dwallace@auburnpubliclibrary.org.

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