Washington, DC (August 6, 2008) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded The University of Texas-Pan American an additional $250,000 for its Upward Bound Math and Science Program. This comes on top of the $250,000 in funding the Department of Education awarded UTPA for its Upward Bound Math-Science program less than a year ago. The competitive project prepares high school students for postsecondary studies that lead to careers in the fields of math and science.

“This invaluable funding will provide more of our low-income, first-generation students the support they need to finish high school and achieve success in college,” said Hinojosa. “This grant will also impact our region’s economic competitiveness because it will inspire more of our talented youth to pursue in-demand careers in math and science.”
 
The Upward Bound Math-Science program allows the Department of Education to fund specialized Upward Bound math science centers. These centers are designed to develop and strengthen students’ skills and encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these two subject areas. Services include summer programs with intensive math and science training; year-round counseling; and exposure to university faculty.
 
The Upward Bound program as a whole provides support to students in their preparation for college entrance. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree; and low-income, first-generation veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

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