LMU's Upward Bound Program Receives $1.2 Million Grant

LOS ANGELES, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Loyola Marymount University's Upward Bound program, which helps low-income students graduate and get into college, has received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The program, which increases high school graduation and college enrollment rates among first-generation, financially disadvantaged students, serves more than 50 students each year at the Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet (formerly Westchester High School). Participants typically join the program as freshman and stay through their senior year.

Each year the students are given academic and college counseling, instructional and supplemental tutoring in all subjects, and enrichment activities such as trips to plays and museums.

Upward Bound includes a six-week residential summer program when the participants live on the LMU campus. During their stay, they take college prep and enrichment courses, attend financial aid and admission seminars, and receive tutoring and mentoring support from LMU students and staff. They also take part in weekly community service activities.

Eligible students come from low-income families in which neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree. 

Since its inception in 2007, 49 students have graduated from LMU's Upward Bound program. Of those participants, 100 percent of Upward Bound seniors (Classes 2010, 2011 and 2012) have graduated high school, been admitted to college and have matriculated.

The $1.2 million grant will support the program for five more years. This is the second Upward Bound award LMU has received from the federal government.

About Loyola Marymount University
Located between the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is a comprehensive university offering 60 major programs, 38 master's degrees and a doctoral degree in education from four colleges, two schools and Loyola Law School. Founded in 1911, LMU is ranked fourth in "Best Regional Universities/West" by U.S. News & World Report. LMU is the largest Jesuit Catholic university for undergraduates on the West Coast with more than 5,900 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate and law students. For more LMU news and events, please visit www.lmu.edu/news. 

SOURCE Loyola Marymount University