Changes to upward bound—out of bounds

Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Nov 16, 2006 by Alan H. Lee, Mary W. Jordan, David Sanders

IS ANYONE MAD YET?

As a former Upward Bound student (Howard University) and tutor/counselor (Lincoln University, Pa.), I must say that this "test" is deplorable. Apparently it is easy to "experiment" with the minds and the future of at-risk, low-income minorities. If the federal government wants to truly stage an experiment, I suggest that they fully fund the Upward Bound program and then compare the students of the fully funded program with those students, like me, who were a part of the grossly underfunded program. They can then truly measure the effectiveness and the far-reaching positive effects the program has on society at large.

--Alan H. Lee

Katy, Texas

A test of the effectiveness of Upward Bound is portrayed in the success of its graduates. I was a part of the 1966 Upward Bound program at Claflin University directed by Mrs. Alethia Worthy, and I have excelled in the field of education--heights I would never have reached without the strong foundation laid by the program.

--Mary W. Jordan

Assistant Professor of Communications

South Carolina State University, Orangeburg

As a former Upward Bound administrator, it is shameful that total support for the programs--and those like it--are not being given the credit they deserve nor the financial support to truly be successful. It is a set-up for failure.

The article was a good one, but once again it is a political hot bed, with the children ultimately being the pawns and political roadkill for politicians who do not know how successful these programs are. You go to these Upward Bound programs and see the strides all the Upward Bound programs attempt to make with pitiful support from the feds. It is not fair!

--David Sanders

Johns Hopkins University