$199,500 GRANT TO UNIVERSITY

Southeast Missouri State University has received a $199,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the "Upward Bound" program.

University officials announced the grant Friday.

It is one of a trio of programs for disadvantaged students funded by the Department of Education, all three of which are now offered by Southeast to students in the Bootheel area.

The first, Talent Search, encourages students at the junior high level to remain in school; Upward Bound offers help and encouragement to high school students to pursue a post-secondary education; and Student Support Services helps students who are already enrolled in a college, technical or vocational school complete their degree by providing tutoring, career counseling and advising services.

"The Upward Bound program has a very specific focus: students from economically depressed counties in the Bootheel area," said Sheila Caskey, interim provost at Southeast.

"It also has a very specific and practical mission that could have long-lasting benefits to the area: motivate those students with academic promise to continue their education beyond high school," she said.

"With a post-secondary education, young people have a definite advantage in today's competitive job market and more opportunities throughout their careers. They also acquire more skills that can benefit their communities," said Caskey.

The Upward Bound program at Southeast will entail two major phases: the academic year phase and a six-week college residential phase.

During the academic year, students will receive tutoring in math, English and science, ACT preparation and college orientation skill. During the summer, they will reside on the Southeast campus for six weeks to learn more about the total college experience. They are also given intensive instruction in academic basics such as reading, writing, mathematics and study skills, as well as guidance and counseling in personal and academic problems and career options.

The one-year grant will serve 50 eligible students in grades 9-12. The grant can be renewed for two additional years. Participants will be selected from the counties of Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard considered to be some of the most poverty-stricken counties in the state of Missouri, university officials said.

The area is characterized by a work force with higher unemployment and a lower income than both the national and state averages. Less than half of the students in the target area graduate from high school and go on to some type of post-secondary education.

The Upward Bound program will be administered through Southeast's student affairs division.