Setting Up Your Upward Bound Seniors for Success M. Yvette Flores-Gonzalez Program Coordinator & Jennifer Soto Counseling Specialist Part 1: Treating the Symptoms of Senioritis

UTPA Upward Bound Program Serves 140 students 10 th – 12 th grades 6 high schools in Hidalgo County Located on the Texas/Mexico border 5 full time staff – Director – Program Coordinator – Counseling Specialist – Computer Applications Specialist – Secretary

Effective Recruitment is Key! Provide photos and videos UB video Family interview Bilingual information – Fluent work-study translates materials

Passionate about Student Success We have a connection with our students because they know we care. – Special populations Teen parents Students with disabilities Limited English proficiency

Effective Communication via home phone, Cell phone text, and

Know your community resources – Refer to the community for substance abuse referrals – Contact child protective services when needed – Created a teen parent group meeting once a week. Use curriculum from the Attorney General’s office (p.a.p.a.) – Parental monthly meetings Reproductive health Financial aid, tax returns Computer literacy Drug and alcohol awareness

Hire effective staff Ex. Reading Specialist – comic books for LEP students Adjunct faculty from university or community college All teach college readiness – Supplemented by Path to Scholarships

“Tell it like it is” approach …borrowed from Dr. Phil – Educate the students as much as possible on the real world. – Prepare students and parents for transition to college Summer dorm opportunities UBMS summer opportunities College road trips

Testing and Advising Practice testing early – 10 th graders (Pre and Post ACT test) – 11 th graders (3 ACT practice tests) – 12 th graders (TAKS, ACT, THEA, Scholarships) Importance of advising, ACT, THEA, TAKS…learn your university’s exemptions and or waivers

Volunteer Volunteer with university financial aid, admissions, new student orientation, and career days. Volunteer with high school contacts – career day, financial aid day/nights, – awards ceremonies Spend time at the counseling office – Walk the halls during the passing period or lunch and be available. Allows students to reach out.

Senior checklist – Organize and align activities using a point system for senior year. – Students earn points for being on time but don’t earn points for late assignments although they understand assignments must be submitted – Points are calculated for senior trip and bridge dorm privileges – Students earn 20 points for each item, but lose 3 points for attendance and referrals or infractions

Contact Info Jennifer Soto – M. Yvette Flores-Gonzalez –