Onward and upward

Underprivileged students can earn college credits while in high school

Kim Nguyen's goal to get a bachelor's degree in biology was nearly dashed when she was turned away from Upward Bound, a program that helps underprivileged youths go to college.

"They didn't accept me at first because I couldn't speak English," she recalls. "I wrote another letter to ask them for special consideration."

"There's no experience like it. I mean, you just get to meet new people and bond." Adam Canne Castle High School student and Upward Bound participant

Nguyen's letter ultimately landed her a spot in the program as a sophomore at Farrington High School, giving her college credits even before starting at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. That head start helped her graduate from UH-Manoa in four years, she says.

With a $250,000 annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound helps eligible students earn college credits while in high school. It also offers them educational field trips and tips about financing college.

After getting a bachelor's degree, Nguyen returned to teach in Upward Bound at Windward Community College.

"It's gives me a chance to give back, I think," says Nguyen. "It makes me feel really good."

She is now one of 11 instructors in WCC's Upward Bound summer program, free for low-income students and/or soon-to-be first-generation undergraduates. Nguyen says the program offers not only SAT preparation and college guidance, but also a chance for a better future.

When the 28 participants return to school at summer's end, they could have as many as six college credits -- or 18 credits if they have been in the program all through high school.

"I am planning on majoring in sports medicine, and in order to pay for it, I am going to do acting on the side," says Castle High School student Adam Canne.

The 16-year-old says his mother encouraged him to apply for the program.

"She never went to college. She even dropped out of high school. And she told me. 'You ain't going to end up like me,'" says Canne.

There are Upward Bound programs at Leeward Community College, Maui Community College and UH-Hilo. Each has the same simple mission, says Windward Upward Bound Director Lisa Gillis-Davis.

"We're here to help students who may not normally go to college," says Gillis-Davis.

Nguyen says every aspect of the program was beneficial for her.

She graduated from college without any loans, and living in the dorms strengthened her second-language skills.

She is now pursuing a master's degree in education and a second bachelor's degree in medical technology.

Back for the second year and taking five classes, Canne says he loves Manoa dorm life most of all, daily bus rides notwithstanding.

"There's no experience like it," he says. "I mean, you just get to meet new people and bond."

Religion instructor Sarah Hadmack echoes Canne's sentiments: "I think they (students) are realizing that college is really fun, too."

To learn more

For more information about the Upward Bound program at Windward Community College, call 235-7488 or visit upwardbound.wcc.hawaii.edu.