“Brianna,” a 14-year-old freshman, joined Metropolitan’s Upward Bound program only because her older sister was already in the program and made her join. Brianna was resistant and angry about being in the program, and she was especially frustrated because she was failing algebra. 

Yet slowly, Brianna’s performance started improving with Upward Bound’s help, namely due to its focus on core math skills through group instruction and weekly tutoring. With the help came confidence. Brianna felt less intimidated by the classes, and her test scores rose. She’s worked so hard that her math grades jumped from Fs to Cs, and now she’s earning Bs and As!

Brianna’s demeanor and attitude also have changed. Her self-confidence has grown. She now makes eye contact with others, speaks up appropriately in classes, and volunteered to help with a school event. 

Brianna’s dramatic improvement shows the successes of Upward Bound’s intensive academic focus and sets a great example for other students – including Brianna’s 8th grade sister, whom is being recruited to join the program next year.