Miami University Regionals partners with eight Hamilton businesses and nonprofits to launch innovative summer program for area teens
"Upward Bound Around Town" initiative engages students in experiential learning and community building
Miami University Regionals partners with eight Hamilton businesses and nonprofits to launch innovative summer program for area teens
Miami University Regionals has partnered with several Hamilton businesses and nonprofit organizations this summer through TRIO Upward Bound to provide innovative, experiential, and community-based learning opportunities for Hamilton teens participating in the program.
This original multi-partner venture includes learning experiences in which students engage with the city of Hamilton, explore opportunities and institutions that exist within the city, and develop a sense of community pride and belonging alongside their fellow Hamiltonians.
Miami University TRIO Upward Bound, known locally as "MUUB," is a federally-funded college preparatory program serving and supporting high-achieving future first-generation college students and students from economically-challenged households enrolled at Hamilton High School. The program is funded to serve 60 high school students annually in five-year increments of approximately $1.5 million. It provides participants with academic support, college and career advising, financial literacy education, social-emotional learning and leadership opportunities, and educational field trips at no cost to participants or their families.
The program achieves these goals through the MUUB After-School Academy, Success Skills course, and Senior Scholars program during the school year and through the Summer College Academy in June and July each summer.
Miami University "Upward Bound Around Town" was developed as a new initiative of the MUUB Summer College Academy this year to provide students with civic engagement and experiential learning opportunities. MUUB’s generous community partners in this effort thus far include Hamilton Central YMCA, Tano Bistro, Fitton Center for the Arts, 3rd Street Music, 17 Strong, City of Sculpture, StreetSpark, and ArtSpace. MUUB students have had the opportunity to explore art and learn math through food and cooking with Tano Bistro and the Fitton Center, exercised their minds and bodies with the Hamilton Central YMCA, participated in guitar lessons at 3rd Street Music, and created a mural on the 17 Strong chalk wall with ArtSpace.
MUUB director Ashley Hopkins said that she is looking forward to expanding and growing the initiative to include more students and additional community partners in the future.
“This initiative and the city of Hamilton really provide a unique and innovative opportunity for our young Hamiltonians to fall in love with their home community while also mastering important skills and networking for their future academic and professional careers,” she said.
"The Hamilton Central YMCA is thrilled to partner with the Miami University Upward Bound Program," said Andrew Flanagan of Hamilton Central YMCA. "By providing access and experiences to the youth department, gym, pool, and group exercise classes, we want to create memorable experiences for all participants. We appreciate the school-year partnership delivering our Y Achievers Curriculum to create a supportive environment for all."
Organizations involved in the partnership look forward to expanding the opportunities to other Hamilton youth and teens in the coming months. Those interested in learning more or becoming a partner can email UpwardBound@MiamiOH.edu or call 513-785-3786.
