As the fourth sibling from her family to be accepted into and participate in the Arkansas Tech University Upward Bound program, Shantel Galvan knew what to expect when it was her turn.
Listening to her, it seems as though her expectations have been exceeded.
“I’ve known of the program for what I feel like has been forever,” said Galvan, who graduated from Two Rivers High School in Yell County in May. “This program has helped me in more ways than I can probably count. I am first gen, so this whole introduction to college has been an area I’m not used to at all. I’m grateful for all that my parents can do for me, but they haven’t been introduced to it, either. So, having a support system that leads you through every single step has been great in terms of finding scholarships and navigating this new part of my life.”
Galvan is one of approximately 100 high school students who spent the month of June on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville for the ATU Upward Bound summer program.
“It’s honestly one of the things I look forward to the most,” said Galvan when asked about the ATU Upward Bound summer program. “The community around here is so beautiful. We’ve built strong friendships in this program. The teachers know you personally and are here to help lead you through life. It’s one of my favorite things.”
The Upward Bound classic program at ATU serves students from the public high schools in Atkins, Dover, Hector, Johnson County Westside and Lamar. ATU’s Upward Bound math and science program is for public high school students from Danville, Dardanelle, Two Rivers, Western Yell County and Wonderview.
Journey Robinson, who will be a junior at Atkins High School during the 2025-26 academic year, has participated in ATU Upward Bound since ninth grade.
“Me coming here (to Upward Bound) made me an outgoing person,” said Robinson. “I feel like it helped shape me into being prepared. I love it here. When you join, you are not a stranger. You have a family. When I joined Upward Bound, it encouraged me to do better. All of the staff members encourage you and are there for you. They mean the world to me. They’ve helped me in so many ways, and they don’t even know it.”
Jill Hendricks has directed the Upward Bound programs at ATU for 20 years. She is joined on the ATU Upward Bound staff by target school liaisons Shawna Davis and Annie McNeely.
During the school year, representatives from ATU go into partner high schools to provide academic support for Upward Bound program participants.
Elijah Adame attends Dardanelle High School, where he will be a junior in 2025-26. His career aspiration is to become a veterinarian.
“(Upward Bound) has helped me learn a lot about how college works,” said Adame. “I wouldn’t know how to apply for scholarships without Upward Bound. You have a lot of fun with your friends, and you make a lot of new friends. We’re all the same people. It’s cool to realize that no matter where someone is from, you can talk to them and understand them. (Upward Bound) helps first-generation students on a different level. It’s an educational experience that provides you with the time of your life.”
Participants in the federally-funded Upward Bound initiatives are exposed to a variety of resources and experiences designed to prepare them for college enrollment and success. Students selected for Upward Bound must meet income guidelines as set by the federal government and/or be a potential first-generation college student.
As a rising senior at Hector High School, Sophia Kendrick has college at the forefront of her thinking. She said the ATU Upward Bound summer program has been beneficial in acclimating her to living and learning on a university campus. She plans on pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities that will prepare her for a career in health care.
“When I was in ninth grade, I did well in school, but I didn’t apply it very much,” said Kendrick. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. (Upward Bound) has helped me narrow down and prepare for what I want to do. It’s a really fun experience, but it will also help you mature and become yourself.”
Following the conclusion of the on-campus summer program, the top 15 students from the ATU Upward Bound classic program and the top 15 students from the ATU Upward Bound math and science program will visit Dallas, Texas, for additional learning and cultural immersion.
“When I first applied (for Upward Bound), it was the year after COVID,” said Galvan. “That COVID year had affected me in general. I wasn’t doing well because I was forced to do online school work. I almost didn’t apply because I didn’t think I would get accepted. (ATU Upward Bound staff members) talked to me in my interview about what I was passionate about and how my grades were. When I got my letter saying I had been accepted and then I spoke to them the next time, they said they really saw something in me. They really put a lot of faith in me. Ever since then, I’ve gotten straight As. It meant a lot.
“The (Upward Bound staff members) mean so much,” continued Galvan. “I almost see them as part of my family. I’ve been around them for years. Whenever I have a problem, they are always there. They cultivate this feeling of helping others. I love them with all my heart. They are the most amazing people.”
As Galvan prepares to begin college in August with an eye on eventually enrolling in law school, she will look back on the ATU Upward Bound program as the launch point that made it all possible.
“You have this greater understanding of who you are and what you’re going to do later in life,” said Galvan. “It’s helped me…going to all these college tours and learning about possibilities for careers…it’s really skyrocketed me and made me feel so much more comfortable in who I am and where I see myself in the next few years. Even with furthering my education…(Upward Bound) has made that seem so secure and set in stone. It’s an amazing program, and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Learn more at www.atu.edu/upbound and www.atu.edu/ubms.
