Upward Bound College Program 

BY John Gibbons 

What is Upward Bound? Well, it is an educational program that works with high school students who want to attend college. “We help students prepare for success in college, career, and life,” states Director Corey Hammel. Wampus Cat News reached out to Director Corey Hammel to ask a few questions for students who are interested in the program.

Here's a little background history for the program: Upward Bound is a federal program (nationwide) that started in 1964. Southeastern Oklahoma State University has had an Upward Bound program since the programs started nationally. “Now SOSU hosts 5 Upward Bound Programs and has been around for over 50 Years,” Corey states. 

What's Corey’s role in the program? He is the Director of what was the original Upward Bound. Every week he visits schools to talk about college and other things. He also plans activities and trips. 

There are tons of fun things to do while in the program. “In the past year, we’ve visited Houston (Summer trip – NASA, seafood at a restaurant on the Gulf of Mexico), Dallas (Christmas – Top Golf, Ice Skating, shopping at the mall, Christmas light tour), and Memphis, TN (Spring Break – Graceland, Riverboat ride on the Mississippi River, and Civil Right's Museum). We also go to movies, bowling, and eat lots of great food,” Corey adds.  

  There are tons of benefits of just joining the program. Corey states that “students learn what to expect in college. We help students develop a financial plan to help make college affordable." Showing a good college life, Upward Bound provides a summer experience at SOSU to see what college life is like. Students earn money for participating in the meetings as well as doing some of the homework Corey gives them. If you do join, you get to meet kids from all across Southeastern Oklahoma.

Wampus Cat News asked Corey what made him become an advisor. He responded that “I enjoy seeing what students can achieve when given opportunities. It’s so rewarding to see how successful Upward Bound students are in life.”

  For those who want to join the program, you would have to communicate with Mrs. Manion to pick up an application, or you can email Corey Hammel (chammel@se.edu) to get an application as well. 

Here is a link to the SOSU website for Upward Bound if you would like more information: Upward Bound  

You and your parents can apply using the link: Apply  Here