In The News

Students in summer residential Upward Bound program visited by Bill Huizenga
The Holland Sentinel - Lisa Ermak - July 14, 2013 

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga stopped by Rebecca Fry ’s world history class Friday morning as students in Hope College's TRIO Upward Bound program faced off in rock-paper-scissor battles to gain imaginary territory and learn about the Scramble for Africa.

The simulation was meant to teach the high school students about the historical event in a hands-on way , Fry said.

“I’ll let you know this isn’t how it works in Washington typically ,” Huizenga joked.

The TRIO Upward Bound program at Hope College is designed to develop motivation and academic skills of students who come from first generation college and low income families in hopes that they will complete high school and pursue post-secondary education.

High school students from Fennville, Holland and West Ottawa apply for and spend six weeks in the program. They attend class five day s a week and in addition to enrolling in traditional high school courses, they can also take electives like CPR, ceramics and theater.

After meeting with some of the high schoolers in Fry 's class, Huizenga planned to talk with students and the program’s advisory board about how Upward Bound helps to meet
employment needs in the community .

For more information about the program, visit hope.edu/admin/upbound.