MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Upward Bound Math and Science program at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville – a free, hands-on learning experience for eligible high school students in grades nine through 11 – returns to campus Saturday, June 6, through Saturday, July 18, 2015.

High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors seeking to enhance their math and science skills should apply as soon as possible. The postmarked application deadline is Saturday, Feb. 14. Applications may be downloaded and completed from the Upward Bound Math and Science Web site atwww.nwmissouri.edu/trio/ubms/. Counseling Coordinator Linda Davison advises students to thoughtfully consider the short essay questions before printing and mailing the application.

Students from the following schools are eligible for the Northwest UBMS program:

Nebraska

• Falls City High School
• Nebraska City High School

 

Kansas

• Turner High School (Kansas City)

 

Iowa

• Bedford High School
• Clarinda High School
• Nishnabotna High School (Farragut/Hamburg)
• Red Oak High School
• Shenandoah High School
• South Page High School (College Springs/Braddyville/Coin/Shambaugh)
• Southwest Valley High School (Corning/Villisca)

 

Missouri

• North Nodaway R-VI High School (Hopkins)
• North Andrew R-VI High School (Rosendale)
• Worth County R-III High School (Grant City)
• Kansas City schools including:
  • Lincoln College Prep Academy
  • Northeast High School
• St. Joseph schools including:
  • Benton High School
  • Central High School
  • Lafayette High School

All student expenses are covered for the six-week camp, including round-trip mileage and admission for weekend field trips. Previously, students have participated in team-building activities and visited places such as the SAC Museum, Durham Museum and Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb., as well as Kansas City-area attractions like Worlds of Fun, Science City, New Theatre Restaurant and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, the UBMS program at Northwest has served young people from the four-state area since 1992. Students, parents and teachers agree that attending the camp can be a life-changing experience.

“Students go back to their home high schools with greater motivation, confidence, self-esteem, excitement and a direction for their lives,” Davison said.

Years after graduating from high school, former students testify that summers spent at UBMS were the best of their lives. Campers experience far more than hands-on math and science projects. They also learn to become self-reliant while developing leadership and social skills.

Participants live in a campus residence hall where they are supervised by qualified and successful college students. Skilled college and high school instructors teach a variety of math and science topics in an environment that minimizes stress and maximizes the joy of learning.

“The quick, lasting bonds that were made with people with similar interests was the part of the program I liked best,” said Rebecca Coyne, a 2014 UBMS participant from Turner High School in Kansas City, Kan. “I also like the diverse backgrounds of the instructors and students. The life lessons were and are valuable.”

Scott Coyne, Rebecca’s brother, added, “I felt accepted and loved, and it only got better as the weeks went on. The outings, the classes, the people and the bonds that were formed were fantastic the whole time.”

The program offers numerous benefits, including:

• Hands-on learning that makes the curriculum exciting and memorable
• Exposure to a variety of math, science and technology topics in a university setting
• Expert, engaging instructors who use innovative teaching techniques
• A laptop computer checked out for every student
• A TI-Nspire CX CAS graphing calculator given to each student who completes the program
• Access to Northwest recreational and academic facilities
• Educational field trips
• The chance to make new friends from other schools
• A student stipend during camp and each semester of the academic year
• Reduced anxiety about attending college after graduating from high school
• Mentoring relationships with college students and instructors
• Possible participation in the “Bridge” program, the equivalent of receiving a $2,400-plus scholarship

For more information about the six-week summer Upward Bound Math and Science camp at Northwest, call 660.562.1632 or 660.562.1538 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Send emails to Davison at [email protected] or Assistant Director Karen Woodard at[email protected].