Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) held its Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) program on the Cumberland Campus for six weeks this summer. Thirty-five local high school students lodged at the Benham School House Inn and participated in day-long classes in math, science, Greek and Latin, computer programming, CAD (computer aided design), and ACT prep. Several “bridge” students—recent high school graduates—took college classes, as well.

Participants traditionally visit a regional college or university campus, and this year they visited the University of Kentucky where they toured the campus and visited members of the Markey Cancer Research department.

According to Program Coordinator Amanda Creech, “Our mission is to help low income and first-generation-to-college high school students recognize and develop their potential to excel in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).”

In addition to the summer program, UBMS provides year-round counseling, advisement, and academic support services, exposure to research, and college application assistance to 60 area students.

Thankfully, the summer program was not all work and no play. During their leisure time, students took part in workshops, played board games and tennis, and went to the movies in Harlan and at the Benham Theater. Participants also spent time bowling and playing basketball and volleyball at the Letcher Country Recreation Center and enjoyed swimming at the Lynch Country Club Pool.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the program was the cultural enrichment trip to Chattanooga, Tenn. Students took part in sightseeing and a lecture about the history of Chattanooga and its importance during the Civil War. They visited Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Knoxville Zoo, and they spent the day at the Dollywood Theme Park to learn more about the physics, dynamics and mathematics of building world class roller-coasters. Lastly, the group toured a campus of The University of Tennessee.

Says Creech, “UBMS had a fantastic summer, and we are ready to start another amazing year with our participants!” Bell or Harlan County students with an interest in STEM should contact the program office at 606-589-3115 or visit the website at www.ubms-southeast.com.