UB Chronicle

The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University

December 2024 Volume 4 Issue 4

How to Avoid Winter Academic Slide

Taken from learner.com

Losing academic skills and knowledge during winter break means headaches for going back to school. Read on to learn how to avoid this without sacrificing any fun.

What is the winter academic slide and why does it happen?

Nothing compares to the relief that a break from school brings, especially when it’s a nice long one like during the winter. But those days and weeks away from the structure and routine of school can lead you to coast, lose momentum, and forget skills and knowledge you learned before break.

Even though winter break isn’t as long as summer break, the lack of educational activity you experience can mean that your short and long-term academic success is compromised. This is especially true of subjects like math and science.

Like with anything, if you don’t practice it, revise it, or really even think about it, then your brain is going to categorize it as pretty useless and clear it out to make space for things you do care about.

This is because our brains are thought to have two primary memory systems: short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory.

Your short-term memory is designed to hold information that you’re currently thinking about, but it’s temporary (we’re talking a few seconds here), and if you don’t need it anymore, your brain tosses it out. Important things, however, can be committed to long-term memory.

Your long-term memory is very good at storing information with a surprising amount of detail, but it can't remember everything you've ever learned and done. Therefore, your brain will let go of whatever you don’t use, find interesting, or practice.

The secret to avoiding the winter academic slide

The winter academic slide is natural because breaks are often synonymous with doing nothing, but that doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be your reality.

Academic slide can have a negative impact on both your short- and long-term academic journeys, but it can also cause you to be unhappy. Imagine having to relearn things you technically already know, along with the frustration of feeling lost in a topic you may have had no problem with before.

The way to avoid all of that without sacrificing a great holiday is to keep your brain active.

It’s all about keeping your brain engaged and challenged. The most important thing to realize is that you don’t necessarily have to be learning during break in the same way that you do in school. You don’t need to focus on always studying and memorizing things. You can actually learn in many different and fun ways.

Some things to try are:

Going to a museum, botanical garden, gallery, or historic site

All of these locations will amaze you with their beauty, history, or information. You might even discover a new passion. If you can’t or don’t want to visit such places in person, there are also online options, such as the Disability History Museum or the Smithsonian Learning Lab.

Visiting the library

Not necessarily to study (although feel free to do so!), but for a cozy reading spell instead. Reading is a great way to relax while keeping your brain switched on.

Making dinner for your family

Challenge yourself to learn a new recipe and execute it well with as little help as possible. Cooking requires a lot of planning, dexterity, and multitasking, so it's a great mental workout.

Having a family (or friend) game night

You might be surprised at how challenging game nights can be, especially with the right games. Keep your brain active by playing games that catch your fancy.

Journalling

Journaling can be a really fun way to keep track of what’s going on in your life, how you’re feeling, and what your goals are. It’s also nice to be able to look back on things. Journaling helps with memory but is also an excellent creative activity.

Fun ways to keep fit and active

It's important to stay active in the winter to keep your mental and physical health in good shape and to keep your brain active. There are tons of fun ways to keep active in the winter. If you don’t mind the weather, wintery walks can be lovely. There’s also skiing, sledging, ice-skating, ice hockey, and more. If you’d rather stay inside, then you can try Pilates, yoga, or just some stretching.

It’s important that you find balance during your winter break. Find time to be active, get outdoors, and eat the right foods. Enjoy screen time, but don’t overdo it. If you’re struggling with certain subjects or topics in particular, make sure that you work on them to get a head start before you head back to school.

It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.

What is TRIO?

What are TRIO Programs?

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes 8 programs targeted to serve and assist limited-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

The recipients of the grants, depending on the specific program, are institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools. Combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations may also apply for grants. These entities plan, develop and carry out the services for students. While individual students are served by these entities, they may not apply for grants under these programs.

Nationally, more than 3,100 programs serve close to 800,000 low-income/first-generation students and students with disabilities – from sixth grade through college graduation. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. TRIO programs provide direct support services for students and relevant training for both directors and staff.

Where did TRIO Originate?

The TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. TRIO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 established an experimental program known as Upward Bound. Then, in 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search. Finally, another program, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (now known as Student Support Services), was launched in 1968. Together, this “TRIO” of federally-funded programs encouraged access to higher education for low-income students. By 1998, the TRIO programs had become a vital pipeline to opportunity, serving traditional students, displaced workers and veterans. The original three programs have grown to eight, adding Educational Opportunity Centers (1972), Training Program for Federal TRIO programs (1976), the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (1986), Upward Bound Math/Science (1990) and the TRIO Dissemination Partnership (1998).

History of TRIO Programs

The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs in honor of the first three programs.

Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers. The 1976 Education Amendments authorized the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs, initially known as the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program. Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but it must be applied for separately. Finally the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 amended the Student Support Services (SSS) program to permit the use of program funds for direct financial assistance (Grant Aid) for current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.

Why Are TRIO Programs Important?

TRIO programs create necessary avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in school and gain access to help, both financially and academically. Often first-generation, low-income individuals struggle to find the social, academic, and financial capital to pursue and succeed in higher education.

The US Department of Education oversees all TRIO Programs. For more information visit their site: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html

We're Recruiting!!

The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University are currently accepting new student applications.

9th, 10th, or 11th grade students at the following high schools: Bath, Bracken, Boyd, East Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Harrison, Johnson Central, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Paul Blazer, Robertson, Rowan, and West Carter High Schools, are eligible to apply.

Students can submit the Online Application through our recruitment site at join.moreheadub.org or students can obtain a paper application by visiting our website or their high school guidance counselor for assistance.

UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements

Submit the online and/or paper application with required documentation

a. Guidance Recommendation Form

b. Two Teacher Recommendation Forms

c. 2023 Taxable Income Information (IRS 1040)

Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Be first-generation, meet federal income requirements, and/or academic risk
Be College Bound
Students accepted into Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) must show a strong interest in obtaining a STEM related college degree.

Learn how to Prepare for the FAFSA

Taken from: KHEAA.com and PHEAA.org

Prepare

Keep your stress level low and plan ahead. Follow these tips to prepare for the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):

View the 2025-2026 FAFSA Completion Guide

Set Aside Time

The FAFSA can take some time to prepare for and complete. Make sure you allow enough time in your schedule to complete the FAFSA by your financial aid deadlines.

Know Your Deadlines

Submit your FAFSA as soon as you can.

Deadlines can vary by school, state, program of study, and more. Find out your various deadlines and complete the FAFSA by the earliest one. Even if you miss a deadline, you should still complete and submit the FAFSA. You may be eligible to receive late awards.

Learn More

Gather Your Documents

Before you begin the FAFSA, gather the necessary paperwork. Having the right information on hand makes completing the FAFSA easier.

Learn More

Create a StudentAid.gov Account

To submit your FAFSA online you will need to create a StudentAid.gov account with a username and password. This will allow you to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and when signing Federal Student Aid documents.

Create a StudentAid.gov Account

Learn More

Did You Know?

Contributors must also prepare. If you are a dependent student, a parent must also get a StudentAid.gov account and provide information on the FAFSA. Sometimes stepparents and spouses also need to contribute information. Make sure you give your contributors time to prepare.
Keep your documentation. Be sure to keep all of the documentation that you gather to complete the FAFSA. You may need this later if your application is chosen for verification.

Needing to contact your UB Counselor?

Ashley Cooper (Associate Director UB Central)

Schools Served: Elliott, Morgan, and Magoffin

Brandon Isaac (Associate Director UBMS North)

Schools Served: Mason, Menifee, and Rowan

Gabby Johnson (Associate Director UBMS South)

Schools Served: Boyd, Paul Blazer, and Robertson

Gabe Markwell (Associate Director UB East)

Schools Served: Bracken, Lawrence, and Johnson

Cheyenne Wilson (Academic Coordinator)

Schools Served: Bath, Harrison, Montgomery and Nicholas

We are in the process of hiring a new Academic Coordinator who will serve Fleming, Lewis, East and West Carter. In the meantime, if you need to contact UB, the UB Admin Staff member who is serving your school is listed below:

Brandon: Fleming and Lewis

Ashley: East Carter

Cheyenne: West Carter

Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Morehead State University.

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