Sponsor Information

Lyon College Upward Bound Math-Science

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring a student for participation in the Lyon College Upward Bound Math-Science program.  The information below describes the purpose of UBMS, the services your student(s) will receive if selected, and the responsibilities associated with sponsoring a student.

What is the purpose of Upward Bound Math-Science?

The purpose of Upward Bound Math-Science is to help eligible students (see below) attain the motivation, the confidence and the academic preparation they need for success in college, with special emphasis on mathematics and science. 

What are the eligibility criteria for student applicants?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a freshman, sophomore or junior at a high school currently served by the program;

• Be from a family where neither parent has completed a four-year college degree, OR meet income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education;

• Be a citizen, national or permanent resident of the United States, or provide appropriate documentation of status from the Immigration and Naturalization Service; AND

• Have college potential

• Have need for project services to prepare for college (see list of services below).

 What services does UBMS provide to your student?

• Mentored research in a math or science related subject such as biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science or physics

• ACT Preparation

• Tutoring, as needed, in core subject areas

• Individual  academic counseling

• Peer group activities on contemporary teen issues

• Classes in  Literature, History, French , Art, Astronomy, etc.  (These are different from traditional high school classes and include more student discussion and participation.)

• Field trips to area businesses involved in math/science related industries

• Special speakers who are professionals in math/science related careers

• Cultural and recreational field trips to museums, theaters, ethnic restaurants and other attractions in area cities like Memphis, Little Rock or Heber Springs

• Three-day field trip to a regional city for cultural and educational enrichment activities

• Room and board while residing on the Lyon College campus

• $15 per week stipend for students in good standing (during Summer Session)

What are the responsibilities of the sponsor?

When the student returns to his/her school after the Summer Session, the sponsor receives a detailed report on the student's progress, and a College Action Plan (CAP) for the student that includes an academic assignment related to his/her summer research project. The student is required to actively prepare for college by enrolling in recommended high school classes, taking the ACT or SAT (UBMS pays the registration fee), researching colleges and careers of interest, and by becoming involved in school or community activities to develop leadership skills.  The role of the sponsor is to:

• Assist the student in getting started on his/her assigned research project when the 2009 fall semester begins.  (This may involve advising him/her about how to locate sources for a paper or project, and ensuring that he/she stays on task with the project.  Research assignments are kept realistic and can often be done in conjunction with regular school work.  Papers and projects are usually due in early December.)

• Encourage the student to complete the other activities outlined in his/her CAP, such as taking the ACT, getting involved in at least one extra-curricular activity to develop leadership potential, and enrolling in recommended classes.

You may sponsor more than one student.  For each sponsored student who completes his or her CAP, the sponsoring teacher receives a $100 stipend to purchase math/science educational materials for his/her classroom or school. 

Please contact the UBMS Director at the toll free number or email address below if you have any questions about UBMS or about becoming a sponsor.   Thank you.

888-577-7984

esevers@lyon.edu