UB Chronicle
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University
November 2025 Volume 5 Issue 3
Embedded Files
Why voting is important as a student
Why voting is important as a student
Taken from Google Scholars
High school often feels like a time where decisions are made for you, not by you. Yet, within every school community lies an incredible, often untapped, power: the student voice. If you've ever felt a spark of frustration about a school policy, wished for a new club, or dreamed of a more inclusive environment, you possess the starting point for real change.
Making an impact doesn't require waiting until you're older. It begins now, with understanding the power of your voice and knowing how to use it effectively. This isn't about mere complaining; it's about thoughtful advocacy, strategic action, and showing up for what you believe in.
Here's how you can transform your ideas into action and become a catalyst for positive change in your school.
Navigating the Official Channels: Working Within the System
Navigating the Official Channels: Working Within the System
Sometimes the most direct path to change is using the structures already in place. These avenues offer a chance to work with administrators and faculty to shape policies from the inside out.
Join Student Government or Leadership: This is the ultimate seat at the table. Being part of student government allows you to directly voice concerns, propose new initiatives, allocate resources, and influence decisions that affect every student.
Form a Committee or Task Force: Have a specific problem in mind, like improving campus sustainability or enhancing mental health support? Approach a trusted teacher or administrator and propose a student-led committee. You'll research, strategize, and present solutions directly to decision-makers.
Speak at a School Board Meeting: This is one of the highest-impact ways to be heard by those who make the big decisions.
How: Find your district's website for meeting schedules and "public comment" guidelines. Sign up in advance.
Tip: Prepare a clear, concise, and respectful 2-3 minute speech. Don't just state the problem – end with a specific "ask" or proposed solution.
Write a Formal Proposal: Don't just air grievances; offer solutions. A well-researched proposal demonstrates seriousness and foresight.
Include: A clear definition of the problem, your proposed solution, the resources needed (e.g., faculty advisor, budget, space), and the tangible benefits to the school community.
Building a Movement: Grassroots Organizing
Building a Movement: Grassroots Organizing
Sometimes, the most powerful statements come from a collective student voice. Grassroots efforts show administrators that an issue resonates with many, creating undeniable pressure for change.
Start a Petition (The Right Way): A petition demonstrates widespread support.
How: Focus on a single, clear goal. Write a brief statement explaining the problem and your desired solution. Gather signatures both digitally (using tools like Change.org) and on paper.
Tip: Don't just drop it off. Request a meeting with the principal or school board to formally present your petition and discuss the issue.
Launch an Interest Club: Want to see a change? Create the group dedicated to making it happen!
Examples: A "Mental Health Awareness Club" to advocate for more counselors, an "Environmental Club" to push for composting, or a "Student Voice Union" to tackle various issues.
Organize a Peaceful Protest or Walkout: This is a constitutionally protected right and a powerful way to draw attention to an urgent issue.
Plan it Safely: Have a clear message. Crucially, inform your principal in advance – this shows maturity and a commitment to safety, often transforming a potentially adversarial event into a more collaborative discussion. Ensure student leaders maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere.
Amplifying Your Message: Digital and Creative Advocacy
Amplifying Your Message: Digital and Creative Advocacy
In today's connected world, digital tools offer incredible reach. Use them wisely to inform, gather support, and push your message beyond the school walls.
Run a Social Media Campaign: Create a dedicated Instagram or TikTok account for your cause. Share student stories (with permission), post clear infographics about the problem, and announce events or meetings.
Key: Always link digital activism to real-world action. End posts with calls like, "Sign our petition at the link in bio!" or "Join us at the next school board meeting!"
Utilize the Student Newspaper (or Start Your Own): Pen an opinion piece or an investigative article in your school paper. This educates peers and puts issues directly in front of faculty. No paper? Start a blog, podcast, or newsletter to fill the gap.
Conduct Student Surveys: Data speaks volumes. Create a simple anonymous survey (e.g., using Google Forms) to gather opinions and experiences from your peers. Presenting data like "82% of students feel unsafe in the parking lot" is far more compelling than anecdotal evidence.
Your Impact Starts Now
Your Impact Starts Now
It's easy to feel like your voice won't make a difference, but history is full of examples of young people igniting significant change. Your high school years are a unique opportunity to learn how to advocate, organize, and lead. Pick an issue you genuinely care about, choose one action from this list, and take that first step.
Change may not happen overnight, but every single movement, every new policy, and every improved environment starts with a student who decides their voice matters. What will you change?
60 years of Upward Bound!
60 years of Upward Bound!
Taken from Council for Opportunity in Education
The War on Poverty
The War on Poverty
In his first State of the Union address, President Lyndon Baines Johnson declares “War on Poverty.” Later that year, he signs the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 into law. This legislation establishes the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity (“OEO”). This independent agency generates many new social welfare programs, including Jobs Corps, Head Start, and a college-preparatory demonstration project called Upward Bound.
Exceptionally talented, exceptionally needy students
Exceptionally talented, exceptionally needy students
In the summer of 1965, the first cohort of Upward Bound students participate in summer programs hosted by 17 various institutions: • Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)
• Fisk University (Nashville, TN)
• Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL)
• Howard University (Washington, DC)
• Independent Schools Talent Search Program (Boston, MA)
• LeMoyne College (Syracuse, NY)
• Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) • New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM)
• New York University (New York, NY)
• Ripon College (Ripon, WI)
• Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
• Texas Southern University (Houston, TX)
• University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)
• University of the Ozarks (Clarksville, AR)
• Webster University (St. Louis, MO)
• Western Washington State College (Bellingham, WA)
Of the 2,061 students participating in Upward Bound in the summer of 1965, 80 percent would be admitted to college for the fall of 1965, and 69 percent of those freshmen would go on to graduate from college.
The Morehead State University Upward Bound program began in 1966 and will be celebrating its 60th Summer in 2026. For six decades, TRIO programs have had a long-standing tradition for recognizing the determination, resiliency and persistence of first generation and income-eligible students across the world as they complete their college journeys.
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.
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.
Attention Students! Don't forget the November Return Trip is on a Tuesday (November 11th). You will need to get Educational Enhancement Leave for this and will need to follow up with your UB Counselor to ensure this has been completed. You will receive more information via your UB email.
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
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
- Submit the online and/or paper application with required documentation
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA
- Be first-generation (Neither Parent has a Bachelor's Degree), and/or meet federal income requirements
- Be College Bound
- Students accepted into Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) must show a strong interest in obtaining a STEM related college degree.
Explore Berea
Explore Berea
Berea College is a private liberal arts work college in Berea, Kentucky. Founded in 1855.
No student has paid tuition since 1892. Each Berea College student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship worth almost $200,000 over four years.
The first interracial and co-educational college in the South.
One of ten federally recognized Work Colleges. Every student has a job on campus.
Berea College is an NCAA Division III school, offering student-athletes the opportunity to participate in 16 intercollegiate sports, in addition to cheerleading. As a member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, Berea’s athletic teams compete in baseball, softball, basketball, cross country and track and field, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
Click the Image below for a Virtual Tour of Berea College
Click the Image below for a Virtual Tour of Berea College
Fail Forward: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks
Fail Forward: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks
Everyone fails at something at some point - a test, a game, a friendship, a goal. It’s easy to feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even hopeless when things don’t go the way you planned. But failure doesn’t mean you’re not smart or capable; it means you tried something that challenged you. The truth is, every successful person you can think of such as athletes, artists, inventors has failed plenty of times before getting where they are. What makes the difference is how they respond after falling short. Failure isn’t the end of your story; it’s just one chapter that helps you learn, adjust, and grow stronger for the next one.
That’s where growth mindset comes in. A growth mindset means believing your abilities can improve with effort and practice, instead of thinking you’re “just bad” at something. When you face failure, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try adding one word: yet. “I can’t do this… yet.” That small shift changes your focus from what went wrong to what you can learn. Maybe you studied the wrong way, rushed a project, or underestimated how hard something would be — all of those are lessons you can use to do better next time. Growth mindset is about being curious instead of critical, and seeing mistakes as part of the learning process instead of proof that you’re not good enough.
So the next time you fail, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “What can this teach me?” Talk about it with someone you trust, or write down what you learned and what you’ll try differently. It’s okay to feel disappointed — that just means you cared. But don’t let failure stop you from trying again. Every time you get back up, you build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills that will help you in every part of life. The more you practice turning failure into growth, the stronger you become — not just in what you do, but in who you are.
Famous People Who Failed Before Succeeding
Michael Jordan – Cut from his high school basketball team before becoming an NBA legend.
Walt Disney – Fired from a newspaper for “lacking imagination.”
Thomas Edison – Failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb.
Beyoncé – Lost a major talent show as a teen before forming Destiny’s Child.
Steve Jobs – Fired from his own company before returning to make Apple a global success.
Albert Einstein – Didn’t speak fluently until age 9 and was thought to be “slow” by his teachers.
Simone Biles – Fell during major competitions but came back stronger to become one of the greatest gymnasts in history.
Becoming an effective advocate for your student's college journey means being a partner, guide, and support system. It's about empowering them to navigate the process, not doing it for them. Your role shifts from manager to consultant, helping them find the best academic, social, and financial fit. Also know that you are not alone and many resources available to you to help your student succeed.
Here are some basics to help you as you help your student plan for their futures after high school.
Freshman (9th) and Sophomore (10th)
Freshman (9th) and Sophomore (10th)
The best advocacy starts long before applications are due. The goal here is to help your student build a strong record and explore their interests.
Academic Planning: Advocate for your student to take the most challenging courses they can responsibly handle (e.g., Honors, AP, IB, Dual Enrollment). Review their course selections each year to ensure they're on track for college requirements and exploring potential interests.
Extracurriculars (Quality over Quantity): Colleges want to see depth and commitment, not a long list of clubs. Encourage your student to explore a few activities they are genuinely passionate about.
Advocacy in Action: Help them find opportunities. If they love computers but your school has no coding club, help them start one (that's leadership!). If they're interested in medicine, help them research volunteer opportunities at a local hospital.
Finding Summer Opportunities: Help your student find a summer activity that aligns with their interests, whether it's a part-time job, a local internship, a specialized camp, or a "passion project" they design themselves.
Start the "Fit" Conversation: Begin casually talking about college. Visit a local campus, even if it's not on their list, just to get a feel for what a college environment is like. The goal is to normalize the idea and make it less intimidating.
Junior (11th) and Senior (12th)
Junior (11th) and Senior (12th)
This is when your role becomes most active. You are now the project manager, the sounding board, and the financial planner.
Building a Balanced College List
Building a Balanced College List
This is one of the most critical parts of your advocacy. The goal is a balanced list of 8-12 schools that your student would be happy to attend and your family can afford.
Define the Categories:
Safety (2-3 schools): Schools where your student's stats (GPA, test scores) are well above the average for admitted students. These should be schools they genuinely like.
Target (3-5 schools): Schools where your student's stats are right in the middle of the average for admitted students. These are realistic, but not guaranteed.
Reach (2-3 schools): Schools where your student's stats are below the average or the school has a very low acceptance rate (e.g., under 20%).
Advocate for "Fit" over "Rank":
Academic Fit: Does this school have the major(s) your student wants? What is the class size? Do they value research or hands-on learning?
Social Fit: Does your student want a big city or a small town? A huge sports-focused campus or a small, tight-knit community?
Financial Fit: This is non-negotiable. Your list must include at least one "financial safety"—a school you know your family can afford, even with minimal financial aid.
Advocating in Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT)
Advocating in Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT)
In the test-optional era, this requires a clear strategy.
To Test or Not to Test? Encourage your student to take a practice test (the PSAT is a great start). If they score well, it can be a great asset.
To Submit or Not to Submit? This is the key question.
The Rule: Look up the "mid-50% score range" for admitted students at each college on their list.
Advocacy in Action: If your student's score is at or above the 50th percentile for a school, submit it. If it's below the 25th percentile, do not submit it (go test-optional). If it's in between, it's a judgment call.
Find Free Prep: Advocate for them to use high-quality free resources like Khan Academy (the official SAT partner) and ACT Academy.
Secure Accommodations: If your student has an IEP or 504 plan, you must advocate for them to get testing accommodations. This process is not automatic and can take months. Start the process with the school counselor in 9th or 10th grade.
Guiding the Personal Statement
Guiding the Personal Statement
Your role is to be a guide, not a ghostwriter. Admissions officers can easily spot an essay that wasn't written by a 17-year-old.
Brainstorming: Ask open-ended questions to help them find a topic.
"What's a challenge you've faced that taught you something new about yourself?" "Tell me about a time you became totally obsessed with an idea or project." "What's a core value you hold that sets you apart from your friends?"Reviewing: Give feedback on a "big picture" level.
DO: "This is a great story, but what did you learn from it? Can you add more of your personal reflection at the end?"
DON'T: "This sentence is clunky. Let me rewrite it for you."
Financial Aid: Helping your student get the maximum in college funding
Financial Aid: Helping your student get the maximum in college funding
For many families, this is the most important advocacy role.
Fill Out the FAFSA (and CSS Profile): The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to all federal aid. Some private schools also require the CSS Profile. Get these done as early as possible (they typically open in October or December).
Use the Net Price Calculator (NPC): This is your most powerful tool. Every college website is legally required to have one. An NPC gives you a personalized estimate of what your family will actually pay after grants and scholarships. Do this for every school on the list.
Search for Scholarships: Don't just rely on the colleges. Help your student search for local scholarships (from community groups, employers, etc.) and use national search engines.
Appeal the Offer: When the financial aid awards arrive, you can and should appeal if the offer is not enough.
How to Advocate: Call the financial aid office and politely ask about the appeals process. Write a formal letter explaining any change in circumstances (e.g., a job loss, unexpected medical bills) or, if you have one, a better offer from a peer institution.
Key Resources for Your Toolkit
Key Resources for Your Toolkit
College Access Organizations:
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Great articles and resources for families.
First-Generation Students: Look for programs and resources available to your student at their chosen institution.
Financial Aid:
StudentAid.gov: The official federal site for the FAFSA and loan information.
Test Prep:
Khan Academy: Free, official SAT prep.
ACT: Free, official ACT prep.
Upward Bound students also have access to Tutor.com and Mastery Prep which are great resources for helping student navigate SAT and coursework.
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
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
Nathan Taylor (Academic Bridge Coordinator)
Schools Served: Menifee, Lewis, West Carter and East 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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