From Students

Masters degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, Glen wrote in a Facebook message

So glad to hear about the funding. UBMS had a great impact on my life. Although I probably would have still went to college and studied physics if I had not participated, UBMS helped me to know what to expect. Learning how to balance academic rigor with independence and a social life helped me to transition much easier into college life. Coming from a rural monocultural area in Missouri, the program gave me my first introduction to diversity. UBMS gave me the tools to not only survive but thrive in college. Now I have started my seventh year teaching science at an international school in Chengdu, China and was recently named as the official science department head. For the past four years I have had grand award winners at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. A first placement in 2009, second placement in 2010, Best in Category in 2011, and 3rd placement in 2012. The team that got the first placement in 2009 was also voted by the Chinese media outlets as one of the most influential people in China and was recognized in the nationally televised "You Bring Charm to the World" ceremony in Beijing (think the Kennedy Center Honors for China). One of these students (who went on to win the Best in Category in 2011) is on his second gap year before starting college. The first year he worked as a programmer for Intel and now he will have an office in Germany to talk with investors about funding his inventions. UBMS is having a global impact.

Masters degree From Iowa State University, Valerie wrote in a Facebook message

The experience of UBMS taught me life lessons before attending college. The knowledge I obtained during my years (1999, 2000 and 2001) carry into my life today, even years later. The people I have met from the variety of states allowed me to open my mind to different points of view and experiences with friendship that I still have today. UBMS will always hold a special place in my heart because of my experiences during my summers at Northwest Missouri State University. 

Graduated From Truman State University, Emily wrote in a Facebook message

UBMS was an amazing experience for me. It really prepared me for what college was going to be like. The classes were challenging, yet fun. But, the best part is you meet lifelong friends. I still talk to my friends from 2002 and 2003 UBMS at Northwest Missouri State even though we live in different states.

Graduated From Southwestern College (Kansas), Cordairo wrote in a Facebook message

Opportunities sometimes come only once in your life. I think UBMS is an opportunity of a lifetime. It is 6 weeks full of fun, intellectual learning, and personal growth. This is a time I will never forget, and that I am thankful for the opportunity to take part in it (2002 UBMS).

From Buena Vista University, Sarah wrote in a Facebook message

UBMS made such a positive impact on my life, and I wish the best to everyone who applies. I've always said the greatest part about the program is the comfortable learning atmosphere. Unlike high school where I remember it not being socially acceptable to apply yourself in class, at UBMS you're surrounded by other people who want to learn. It allows you to open up with people and really be yourself without fear of alienation. I made so many amazing friends at UBMS, and we still keep in touch and visit each other occasionally. UBMS marked a huge turning point in my life, and it also made adjusting to college life feel very natural (UBMS 2004, 2005 and 2006).

Masters degree From Wichita State University, Christina wrote in a Facebook message

When I think of UBMS, I automatically think of the friendships I made during that summer. I can't believe that it has been 10 years! I formed an amazing bond with Claire W. and had great summer with her. I think of the independence that I gained that summer. I HATED my parents for making me go to "nerd camp" when I could have just stayed at home and hung out with my friends. I'm so lucky that they made me go. I learned so much  my gifts as a "nerd," how to be a great friend and myself. UBMS helped me to realize that I could really succeed at going to college. I knew from that experience that I would have a great time in college and that I would also do well in the classroom. I truly enjoyed the fun trips we made every weekend (2001 UBMS).

From University of MO - Columbia , JoJo wrote in a Facebook message

UBMS was definitely worth the 6 weeks of the summer I was there. I had a blast and it was non-stop fun. I met so many cool people there and experienced quite a few firsts while I was there too. I finally felt a little challenge in class and the teachers/professors were great. I even remember a little Turkish. Elma (apple). I went in the summer of 2005 and still keep in touch with all my friends I met there. I even have plans to meet some of them soon.

From Northwest Missouri State University, Garrett wrote

When I arrived at the university for the beginning of UBMS I was still a little nervous and scared. I had never left home for more than a week, and this was going to be six. I was glad my parents left me though, because it was the most memorable weeks of my life. I made friends from across Missouri and I had a blast while doing it. I gained so much knowledge that I would have never learned at my small town school. Geology, Spherical Geometry, Meteorology and many other amazing classes kept me inspired. I also learned how to trust others and myself. My confidence soared and I left being prepared to do greater things in my life.

During my first week at UBMS I wanted to go home. After that week, I never wanted to leave. When the time finally came to return home I didn't want to. It was so hard to leave behind all my friends and peers. I had thought that I would never see them or contact them again, but thankfully with Facebook and messengers I kept in contact. Many of them who I still contact and keep in touch. I'll always remember my six weeks and the difference it made in my life. I'm telling you now, to not let this opportunity pass you up. If it does, you'll be missing out on an experience that will change your life for the better (2007 UBMS).

 

From Falls City High School Justin (UBMS 2010, 2011) wrote

UBMS really changed my life. I know that sounds a little cheesy and lacking in the creativity department, but it really is true. Never before have I learned so much without even realizing it. The teachers are more than willing to help you in whatever way possible, and the material is more than your high school chemical equations and polynomials. There's a topic to pique anybody's interest.

Most of the learning is done outside of the classroom, however. Not only am I referring to the enormous amount of fieldwork done, but I also believe that the heart of all of the lessons UBMS has to offer lies within your peers. UBMS picks you up and throws you into a crowd of complete strangers, and for those of you that come from a small town with little diversity (like me), this crowd is almost overwhelmingly diverse. By the end of the six-week session, these people become some of the best friends you could ask for.

I was skeptic at first as well. The fact that you're reading this letter, however, really shows me that you're the kind of person that would fit right in at UBMS. As my mom always used to tell me, "Try it, you might like it." Those six weeks will definitely prove to be the best six weeks you've ever had.

From Texas, Nicole (UBMS 1994) wrote in 2011

My name is Nicole W. and I am a success story of the TRIO and UBMS programs.  My background and family history is such that I would have been counted lucky to have graduated high school.  With a teenage mom, a father who committed suicide, and no family connections to an institute of higher education, I really believe that had I not had outside intervention, my life could have been much different.

When I first encountered the UBMS program I was a seriously depressed young woman who believed that life was little more than my hometown.  Through immersion in this six week long session, I made friends and connections outside my boundaries.  I saw life on campus was very realistic and possible for me.  My very best friend was made at this UBMS program.

Later, on my way through college, the TRIO program came to my aid.  College can be a very lonely process, where it is hard to find a road map to the end.  TRIO came through with a variety of activities, advisors, and genuine friends again to see me through.  I really don't know how I would have coped without them.

Today I find myself in South Texas, with a loving husband, three beautiful children, and a thriving retail business.  Every day I call upon skills learned through the dedication of the UBMS and TRIO staffs.  I use networking to find the people and supplies I need, I use creativity exercises to overcome difficult problems and I use computers to simplify my workload.  I honestly cannot list all the different things young students can learn through these programs.  Please, for the sake of all of the children living in difficult situations, please continue to fund a way up and out for them.

From Louisville, Kentucky, Amy (UBMS 1998, 1999, and 2000) wrote in a message in 2011

Upward Bound had such a profound affect on who I am, that I do not know where to begin. I spent three summers with the program and loved every minute of it. I have even encouraged some of my students to attend similar programs here in Kentucky. The UBMS program exposed me to science and math learning that I would have never experienced at the high school level. The book that I read for Science Fiction class is still me favorite book to this day. I remember learning about fractals, the Fibonacci sequence, and DNA. We went stargazing and owl chasing. We used food to demonstrate plate tectonics, something that I do with my students.

Not only did I learn amazing science and math skills, but I also learned social skills. The sense of community that existed was remarkable: caring staff, experienced and effective teachers and kids like me, kids that loved math and science. We were assigned 'families' and went on family outings. Spending that amount of time fueled life-long friendships.

From Iowa State University, Shalyn (UBMS 2007, 2008, 2009) wrote in a message in 2008

To be a part of UBMS is something I will always remember, something that I can always look back on as a good time.  UBMS has given me so many opportunities, and I can't imagine my summer without going to Northwest.  I had never been in a situation where I was living with fifty people I didn't know for six weeks until two years ago.  At the end, I had made fifty new friends; I still keep in touch with a lot of them today.  I've learned how to be socially outgoing, and even my classmates have commented on how "bubbly" I can be during class.  UBMS is a place where you don't have to try to be someone else, and it's easy to be yourself.  I always try to stay true to who I am, but when I go to UBMS, I know I am myself, more than ever.  At the end of the six weeks, I go back to a house filled with reality. And every day I reflect on those days I spent at UBMS and what they meant to me.  The end of the program is not the end of growth; it's the beginning of more, the beginning of life.

 Graduated From Lindenwood University, A.J. (UBMS 2000, 2001) wrote in 2003

I wanted to send this testimonial for anyone interested in the UBMS program.  I very much believe it was a stepping-stone to my success.  I had the tools and the talent, but it was the UBMS program that showed me those tools and those talents and how to best use them.  The program taught me that I had leadership potential.  Currently, I am training to become an active duty Army officer.  I will receive a commission and a bachelor's degree at the same time.  The best thing is that the Army is paying for all my education.  Going back to high school I would have never thought about the Army or how I was going to pay for school, but here I sit, a junior in college with a brand new car and a free education, courtesy of the Army.  I am harnessing my tools and my talents and some other things I learned along the way to become where I am today.  I am confident in those around me and in myself.  I feel like my happiness and gratitude can inspire anyone.  I am at a point to where I want to help people and get them to a point to where they can share my success.  I just wanted to say thanks to Linda, Jim and the whole UBMS crew.  I don't think I would be where I am today if it hadn't gone to your UBMS program.

Graduated From Universtiy of Science and Technology, Terry (UBMS 2001) wrote in 2007

...As I mentioned earlier I had an internship at Hunter Engineering in St. Louis from May 2004 - December 2004.  I attribute this to some of the social skills I gained at UBMS.  I do not think many people realize the benefit that UBMS provides in this regard.  In the summer 2006 I accepted an internship at Procter & Gamble.  In the summer of 2007 I again interned with Procter & Gamble.  These internships I have been involved with have done several things for me.  They have prepared me for my future work environment.  They have given me great practical experience worthy of a resume.  They have also just as importantly allowed me to help support my family…I do not want you to think that I am bragging about all that I have accomplished.  I do not want to come across that way.  I just want you to know the lasting effect that your program has had on me.  Without UBMS, it is quite possible that I would have ended up managing a McDonald's or working on cars for the rest of my life.  While those occupations are acceptable, I am very happy that I have the opportunities that I have now thanks in no small part to your program.  Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to know.  Thank you so much for UBMS.