The Upward Bound Project would like to thank University of Iowa students Gustavo Corona, Maria Johnson, and Rocio Rivera and the Center for Diversity & Enrichment’s Multicultural Coordinator Gabriela Rivera for attending Upward Bound’s senior kick-off meetings. Every September, the Upward Bound Project schedules senior kick-off meetings to begin the exciting process of preparing seniors for their launch into postsecondary education.
Corona, Johnson, G. Rivera, and R. Rivera volunteered their personal time to travel to communities in Columbus Community High School, Davenport Central High School, Muscatine High School, and West Liberty High School the week of September 14 to speak to Upward Bound seniors and parents. The guest speakers touched on topics related to the path to postsecondary education, the family relationship and college, and what to expect as freshmen.
As first-generation college students themselves, Corona, Johnson, G. Rivera, and R. Rivera could easily relate to Upward Bound students who will also be first-generation college students. Corona is a graduate of Columbus Community High School, Johnson is a graduate of Davenport West High School, and R. Rivera is a West Liberty High School graduate. Upward Bound seniors enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions of people from their communities who have succeeded in postsecondary education.
