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Upward Bound Math Science Program

The Ramapo College Upward Bound Math Science Program is a Federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  The grant assists low-income students from Paterson public high schools and those with parents who have not attained a bachelor’s degree.

Goals

The Ramapo College Upward Bound Math Science Program gives support to high school students with college potential. It is our goal to guide these students to successfully complete high school with the background and skills necessary to pursue post-secondary education in the areas of STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Program Details

Cost: Free

Duration: 3 years

For Paterson, NJ High School Students Only

Program Activities

Academic Year:

  • Saturday Sessions –  students participate in science workshops to enhance and enrich their high school experience.
  • Weekly tutoring sessions are provided by Certified Teachers at the high schools
  • Students are visited by Upward Bound staff at their respective high schools weekly.
  • SAT/ACT prep courses for students throughout the year.
  • Annual field trip to visit college campuses and enriching attractions.
  • Workshops on financial aid, college admissions procedures and other relevant topics provided to both parents and students. The Academic year workshops are taught by Ramapo College faculty and other professionals from the community.

Summer:

  • A group of students wearing purple t-shirts smiling outsideParticipants spend six weeks during the summer living on the Ramapo College campus and taking specially designed courses in science, math, language arts, computer skills, foreign language, and problem solving skills.
  • The summer courses are taught by certified high school teachers, and the curriculum is designed jointly by high school teachers and the Ramapo College math and science faculty.
  • Afternoon and evenings are filled with study hall, cultural, and recreational activities.

Expectations:

Participants are expected to stay in the program from the time he or she is admitted until graduation from high school. This includes attending each summer session and all monthly Saturday sessions after acceptance.

Selection and Eligibility

Selection and Eligibility

Upward bound college tripThe Ramapo College Upward Bound Math Science Program is funded to accept approximately 20 new students each year.  Participants are selected based upon their school record, teacher recommendations, interviews, and eligibility according to federal guidelines.

Eligibility Guidelines

This program is designed to serve students who have the ability to go to college and are willing to put in the work required to get there and succeed. It will benefit the student who may have trouble getting into college because of limited financial or educational resources that puts him or her at a disadvantage when competing with more affluent peers attending well financed suburban or private schools.

In order to be a part of the Ramapo College Upward Bound program, a student must:

  1. Have U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or be applying for permanent residency.
  2. Must not have a parent with a Bachelor’s Degree and/or
  3. Have family income of no more than 150% of the federally determined poverty level.
  4. Attend one of the following Paterson, New Jersey high schools: (please contact the corresponding Guidance Office)
    • John F. Kennedy H.S. (Mr. Funiciello)
    • Eastside H.S. (Mrs. Major)
    • HARP Academy of Health Science (Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Canales)
    • Panther Academy (Mrs. Davis)

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Costs and Funding

It costs NOTHING! All necessary supplies, books, room and board, and transportation will be provided for by Ramapo College. The Ramapo College Upward Bound Math Science program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education at a total annual amount of $302,964 for 61 students served per funding year.

Contacts

Contacts

Dr. Sandra Suarez, Director
Office: G-428, Phone: (201) 684- 7774, E-mail: ssuarez@ramapo.edu

Brigid Nonas, Program Assistant
Office: G428, Phone: (201) 684 – 7841, Email: bmahon1@ramapo.edu

Carrie Doscher, Office Assistant
Office: G-428, Phone: (201) 684- 7851. Email: cdoscher@ramapo.edu

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