Adapting to COVID-19
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Virtual Summer Program
While Summer 2020 was anything but normal, we are pleased to say that the first-ever Virtual Academic Summer Program was a success! We stayed as true to "normal" as possible, including a week-long virtual trip, and five weeks of online courses in math, English, writing, chemistry, and various foreign languages.
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Ranger Melissa guided us on an amazing virtual tour of Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Monuments.
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Thanks to admissions officers at Columbia University, we were able to attend a virtual tour and Q&A during our virtual trip to New York City.
This year, we took a virtual trip to New York City, where we met with National Park Service Ranger Melissa Magnuson-Cannady at Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty National Monuments. Later, we were met by amazing Student Ambassadors who showed us around Columbia University and the City College of New York. We learned about modern art and architecture from educators at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. We even watched pieces of hit Broadway shows, toured some of NYC’s famous skyscrapers, and met with a WSU Upward Bound alumnus now living and working in the city!
Once we “returned” from our virtual trip, we got to the academic portion of the summer. For the next five weeks, students participated in daily classes utilizing Zoom and Canvas for math, chemistry, and English, and even studied a variety of foreign languages using the popular app Duolingo. We also hosted afternoon “Elective Hour” sessions to meet and discuss a variety of topics ranging from climate change to current events to mental health and much more.
On top of everything, there was an added level of competition this year with the introduction of “The Game.” Students earned points for their participation in the summer program – racking up points for attendance in their classes, coming to Elective Hours, and finishing their homework on time. Students could also earn points by attending their instructors’ Office Hours, evening study sessions, and doing exceptionally well on their homework. And the competition was steep! The students who finished in the top 15 for number of points will be receiving a special award when it’s safe. Well done, students!
Academic Year 2020-21
Unfortunately, the 2020-21 school year is looking different, as well. In order to provide the safest, healthiest possible
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Our students set a great example by wearing masks at all times while meeting in-person for any reason.
program to our students and their families, we have made the decision to continue providing services in a virtual format. This includes Saturday College Prep, tutoring, and most advising meetings. However, we also recognize the importance of providing in-person services and events to promote social growth and community within our program. That is why, as often as possible, we will be providing safe, socially distant, in-person activities and events for small groups of students. This includes Scholarship Thursday, some advising meetings, community service, and some cultural activities.
In accordance with local mandates and Weber State guidelines, masks are required to be worn during any Upward Bound-sponsored activities and meetings and inside of all University-owned buildings.
We ask that students who are feeling sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or who have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive stay home. We also ask that students self-report to a UB staff person if they have tested positive or come in contact with someone who has. A variety of testing options are available in our area. Click here to learn more. Your safety is our number one priority.
Thank you to all of our students and their families for being understanding and adaptable to this ever-changing situation!