Group works to help increase college enrollment, graduation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 10, 2014) — BCTC’s TRiO Upward Bound program traveled to Washington, D.C. on June 20 to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Summer Learning Opportunities Fair as part of the National Summer Learning Day.
The students hosted a hands-on-learning booth at the expo, participated in youth panels, and watched youth performances. They also listened to remarks from First Lady Michelle Obama during the event, part of her Reach Higher Initiative.
The event highlighted the critical role summer learning plays in preparing young people for successful college entry and completion.
BCTC staff and students gave a presentation on Upward Bound’s community building project during the expo.
For the project, groups of students built Lego buildings representing different areas of the community. The Upward Bound staff used this project to spark discussions on the challenges the students faced, and how those challenges are similar to those community leaders face on a daily basis. The students also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, both on their building projects and with other efforts, as part of learning about community building.
In their display in Washington, D.C., the students took the buildings and created a full neighborhood around them.
Upward Bound is a year round educational program sponsored by Bluegrass Community & Technical College and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal is to increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
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