The Kean University Upward Bound program is accepting applications for the summer residential tutors/mentors for this coming summer. This year's summer program will run from June 25 through Aug. 2, 2018.

Upward Bound is a six-week academic summer residential program from Kean University's College of Natural, Applied and Health Sciences. It is one of eight Federal TRIO programs. The Upward Bound program is for providing qualified high school students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds with a skill set needed for their future college education. Offering support and motivation for these students to prepare them and maintain their academic success is among the highest of priority for Upward Bound. The goal of the program is to help students gain skills that are necessary for success in higher education.

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are programs that act as outreach and student services that help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The eight TRIO programs work to assist and advance low-income individuals, veterans, first generation college students and disabled individuals with their academic journey from middle school through higher education. 

The Eight TRIO Programs

• Educational Opportunity Centers
• Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement
• Student Support Services
• Talent Search
• Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff
• Upward Bound
• Upward Bound Math-Science
• Veterans Upward Bound

Upward Bound is looking for Kean undergraduate students to apply to work as mentors to the high school participants of Upward Bound. As mentors, students will be working with a diverse group of students. Student mentors will help to reinforce and strengthen skills that participants will be needing in college. It is important for mentors to keep participants motivated and invested in growing their skills. 

The following qualifications are required for consideration for tutor/mentor postions:

• undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• mathematics, science and liberal arts majors
• strong foundation in college level mathematics, science, English, French, Spanish and IT
• ability to work with diverse groups of individuals on the high school and pre-first year students
• prior tutoring experience preferred

The following materials must be received by Wednesday, April 18, 2018:

• employment application
• official college transcript
• resume
• cover letter
• two letters of recommendation

Apply online at https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/165792. 

For more information, contact Maria Isabel Rijos, the director of Upward Bound, at (908) 737-3618, or Trevor Ramkissoon, counselor for Upward Bound at (908) 737-3619. The Upward Bound office is in Bruce Hall, Room 102C and it can be contacted at ub@kean.edu.