USM President Botman to Visit with Upward Bound Students
July 17, 2009
University of Southern Maine President Selma Botman will meet with local high school students who are participating in the Upward Bound program from 9-9:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, in Room 321, Bailey Hall on USM’s Gorham campus.
Botman, who just completed her first year as USM’s president, visited 12 high schools last academic year to speak with students about the importance of achieving a baccalaureate degree. She explains to high school students not only the financial benefits of holding a college degree, but that, “individuals with a four-year degree are also more likely to be healthy, civically engaged, and volunteer in their communities.”
This summer, more than 60 high school students from Biddeford, Bonny Eagle (Buxton), Massabesic (Waterboro), Portland, Sacopee Valley (Hiram), and Sanford High Schools are participating in Upward Bound at USM. These students come from income eligible families and/or families where neither of the parents/guardians with whom the student resides has completed a four-year bachelor’s degree.
During their six weeks at USM, Upward Bound students will take academic classes in USM facilities; study and practice for the SAT; polish their college essays and applications; participate in campus internships as part of career exploration; and partake in cultural and service-learning activities.
Upward Bound is a federally-sponsored program that assists qualified high school students improve their academic skills and prepare to enter and succeed in college. Upward Bound is offered in partnership with institutions of higher education.
For more information about Upward Bound, contact Laurie J. Davis, executive director, 780-5203, or see http://usm.maine.edu/upwardbound/
The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers its 10,000 plus students more than 115 areas of undergraduate and graduate study. USM’s location in southern Maine, a region cited as one of the most liveable in the country, offers a range of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.
