UB GOES THE DISTANCE
Summer of 2020
Upward Bound's Summer Program consisted of a remote six-week enrichment experience for 80 high school students from central and western Maine. Our theme was "UB Goes The Distance." Obviously it related to being separated which is the exact opposite of how we usually are (i.e. all living together in the residence hall for 6 weeks). But we also challenged students to push themselves this summer. To go the distance. There was a lot of disappointment this spring (no prom, no graduation, no Upward Bound as we know it) and students were really sad about all that loss. We wanted this to be an experience that was challenging AND that they could take on and persevere through. Our students are resilient!
In the end, our students completed 9 academic classes, 997 hours of service to their communities, developed professional skills, earned career badges, and participated in social and cultural activities.
We used the Hercules song "Go The Distance" and it was a herculean effort this spring to get to this point! The song refers to going the distance to find where you belong and that is what did this summer. As always, we hope to push students, challenge them, and (hopefully) provide a place where they feel loved, supported, and like they belong.
This website was curated by two of our amazing students to display some of the work our students did this summer!
Food deliveries and staff pick-up each week.
UB Goes The Distance delivered 700 meals per week to students.
UB staff at morning meetings.
UB staff delivered backpacks to each student that contained materials for their classes and goodies.
The Reviews Are In...
“I absolutely loved this summer and my class. I’m not much of a reader but the book we read was very intriguing and kept me interested. . . . I learned how to speak up and how to be proud of my work. In class normally I’d keep to myself but in this class [the teacher] made me feel very comfortable and like my work was valid and appreciated. I think everyone did such a good job even though we had to be online. I think the summer couldn’t have gone any better.”
“Career exploration was a great experience! I learned so much about myself I’ve never noticed before. I now have a well put together resume and I learned how to be professional In front of a professional. I learned how to be patient and stay calm and I also got so much better at time management.”
“I just enjoyed how dedicated and active all of the staff was in our success. Everyone was super kind and helpful and always willing to give their time to help us, even with their already busy schedules. I also really enjoyed the class material I was learning as that is along the lines of what I want to go into for a career in the future.”
“Thank you for giving us some forms of a summer program. Thank you for feeding us and caring about us and always looking out for our best interests. Thank you for giving us freedom to make our own decisions but still always being there when we need you guys. Thank you for giving us a routine and things to occupy us.”