Our Summer Program 2020

The MSHS Upward Bound program has successfully organized a socially distanced summer program for enrolled students. Despite being physically apart, the summer program has continued to go on virtually, giving students a social opportunity as well as supplying a positive learning atmosphere completely free of charge for eligible students.
Usually, the summer program is in person at the high school, it follows a weekly schedule with each student individually taking an online class through COS as well as participating in learning activities at the school a few days a week. Due to the current situation of the world, everything is taking place online this year. The program compensates students with monthly stipend money. Students can also participate in the Work-Study program which pays students additional money per month for taking on a position that contributes to SUub. The Work-Study program also honors students with additional money for doing an internship in a field of interest or volunteer work over the duration of the summer.  
In past years, the summer program has hosted a trip for college tours which also includes fun activities. Last year’s program took a charter bus through Oregon and Washington to tour colleges in the area, fun activities included ziplining and visiting the Space Needle. Unfortunately, with the guidelines surrounding COVID-19, a trip is not feasible for the summer program of 2020. However MSHS Upward Bound is doing everything possible to accommodate its students during these unprecedented times.
 This year, students are still required to take an online course of their choice through either COS or Simpson University, all other activities are done online as well. Students have weekly one on one meetings with advisor Jeanine Masciola through Zoom, to make sure they are successful at meeting their responsibilities. Activities vary on a weekly basis with all learning activities taking place on Zoom or other online platforms. Zoom classes are optional but not participating leads to reduced stipend money. 
During Weeks 1 and 2 students met with college representatives on Zoom to take virtual tours of campuses all around California. Week 3 provided students with the opportunity for SAT Math  Bootcamp, a class that focused on preparing students for college entrance exams. Weeks 4 and 5 will provide an opportunity to learn about Drone Technology/Robotics with MSHS teacher Greg Eastman. Week 6, the final week of the program, will offer a Paleo Anthropology class with MSHS teacher Barbara Paulson. The summer program has been granted permission to meet in person a few days during weeks 4, 5, and 6 -  taking all necessary precautions. 
Although it is disappointing for both students and staff alike that they are limited to online learning, the MSHS Upward Bound summer program has made immense efforts to adapt itself to meet the needs of its students amidst these difficult times. The program has done everything possible to make the contents of its duration enjoyable as well as knowledgeable. 

-Written by MSHS Rising Senior, Siena Maniatis