Upward Bound Program Launched

On Saturday, January 5th, 51 Southbridge High School students and their families met on Nichols campus to celebrate the launch of Y.O.U., Inc.'s Upward Bound Program.

The four-year Program provides fundamental support to low-income, academically under-prepared students in their preparation for college entrance. Activities include after-school tutoring, field trips, and five weeks of full-time coursework on Nichols' campus during the summer.

This Program is all about partnerships between a federally-funded grant, Y.O.U. Inc., Southbridge High School, and Nichols College. Representatives from each addressed the families attending:

• Government Funding / District 6th Worcester: State Representative Geraldo Alicia said, "As a Southbridge graduate and the first college graduate in my family, I have a deep appreciation for what you will be going through in the next years." He went on to say that the "sky's the limit on what you can accomplish," and that he looks forward to watching them graduate from both high school and college.

• Y.O.U., Inc.: Educational Service Director Kristin Mayotte told the families that they were lucky to be going through the Program at "one of the finest business institutions in the country."

• Southbridge High School: Principal Bill Bishop targeted his comments to the parents present. "We need your support in keeping them focused on the goal of education. Talk to your children, make sure the TV's turned off, and nightly...check on their homework."

• Nichols College: "On behalf of the entire Nichols family, I would like to welcome you to the Hill," said Nichols Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Thomas Cafaro. "This opportunity has been brought to you and now it's about what you do with it. Seize it, and this can be your road to success."

There's a strong Nichols connection to Y.O.U., Inc., as three leaders are Nichols graduates, including Upward Bound Program Director Gaelyn Hastings ‘98, Upward Bound Counselor Lisa Bertolino ‘04, and Educational Services Director Kristin Mayotte ‘93. In addition, Dr. Brian McCoy, Nichols vice president and dean for student services, is a past member of the Y.O.U., Inc. Board of Directors.