From June to early August local high school students who participate in AIM's College Bound Clubs (CBCs) were offered a taste of college life. Spending time on campus, visiting with college students, working with professors, and networking with professionals were just a few of the benefits students gained from their College Bound University experience.

College Bound University Courses Offered 

The 100 students who are enrolled in CBCs at Papillion - La Vista, Papillion - La Vista South, and Thomas Jefferson High Schools could participate in one or more of these academies:

ACT Test Preparation  – Students focused on college readiness and prepared for the ACT at Metropolitan Community College's Sarpy Center.

 
Technology – Students learned about computer programming from "Alice," scavengered around using GPS, and learned about security technology to fight off hackers at University of Nebraska - Omaha / PKI.

 
Como Estas? and Campus Life – Students spent mornings learning about campus life, library research, careers, interviewing, and networking. Then came Foreign Language Camp each afternoon with an overnighter at Grace University. 

 

Career Choices at Metro – Students explored some of the professional opportunities and careers that Metro Community College students can prepare for including health, industrial technology, graphics, drama, entrepreneurial business, and culinary arts.

 
Health & Business – Students learned about the job market in the health and business field at Clarkson College.

 
Microsoft Office Online Certification – Students learned the in's and out's of MS Office software and earned their certification at Clarkson College.

 
College Study Strategies – Students learned how to study smarter, not harder as they focused on study skills, Internet research, test taking strategies, and relaxation techniques with an overnighter at Iowa Western Community College. 

 

Medical Camp - Students worked in the microbiology lab, made candy drugs in the pharmacology lab, visited the Ronald McDonald House, spoke with neonatal nursing staff, visited the Dental College, and met students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

 
CPR 101 – Students learned standard first aid and CPR at their high schools.

Photos: Above: Students receive feedback during Mock Interviews at Grace University. Right: Thomas Jefferson High's CBC students at the National Leadership Congress in Washington D.C. with Sen. Tom Harkin.

 

Students' Comments

 
"Campus life isn't always boring."

 
"I liked learning how to write my name in Russian." 

 
"UNO/PKI offers scholarships — some of them full-ride."

 
"Talking with Hannah made me realize I have some work I need to do before I get to college."

 
"When you do CPR, it is 2 to 30."

 
"When you do a job interview, don't give away too much personal information."

 
"Dressing for success takes some prep." 

 

Top Four Needs

After each course, all students were asked what they need help with in high school to advance to college: 

1.  Paying for college

2.  How to take tests

3.  Finishing high school

4.  How to study 

 

The College Bound University is funded by a U.S. Department of Education Upward Bound grant. For more information, contact:

Jennifer Kessler Stutte
Educational Grants Manager
(402) 345-5025 Ext. 146
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Visit the College Bound Club website at www.aiminstitute.org/upwardbound