Thursday, February 9, 2012

National TRIO Day Student Fair

National TRIO Day Student Fair
On February 25, 2012 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Avila University Upward Bound will be hosting National TRIO Day Student Fair. All Upward Bound - Avila University students are required to attend. National TRIO Day is meant to focus the nation’s attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives, to the necessary investment if they are to become contributing citizens of the country, and to the talent which will be wasted if that investment is not made.

To carry out with the purpose of National TRIO Day and the National Day of Service, students will attend workshops ranging from Responsible Social Networking to Financial Aid Literacy, participate in a food drive and have a TRIO alum talk about their experiences.


Students who attend the National TRIO Day Student Fair will be able to receive their new Upward Bound - Avila University hoodies. 
For any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 816.501.2438. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Money Smart Month of Greater Kansas City Contests!




Upward Bound parents and students, 


Below are two contests for you, your Upward Bound student, or a young one in middle school. As part of Money Smart Month of Greater Kansas City, two contests are available for middle and high school students, providing students an opportunity to receive scholarships or money to help their financial future.  For more information and registration details, please visit www.moneysmartkc.org/youth. Contacts for each contest are also available below if you have questions.   


If you interested in participating in the contest and need any type of assistance, let the Upward Bound office know. We’ll be more than happy to help you or your child.


MONEY SMART ESSAY CONTEST
Sponsor: CommunityAmerica Credit Union 
Eligibility: 6th – 8th grade students in Jackson County, MO; Johnson County, MO; Northland 
Prize: One student from each of the above regions will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be placed in a 529 College Savings Plan. 
Contest Specifics: In a one-page, typed essay of 300 words or less, please answer the following essay question: 
It’s likely your parents are always giving you advice: advice on what to eat, what to wear, etc. They may even give you advice about money. Let’s say the tables are turned and you get to give your parents advice. With everything going on in the economy these days, what is the most important financial advice you would give your parents and why? 
Deadline: Friday, March 2, 2012 
Contact: Rachel McKenney – 913.905.8254 or rmckenney@cacu.com 
For more info: Visit www.cacu.com/moneysmartkid   


MONEY SMART VIDEO CONTEST
Sponsor: Central Bank of Kansas City 
Eligibility: 9th – 12th grade students in the Kansas City Metro area 
Prize:  1st place:  $500 ----  2nd place:  $250 –-- 3rd place:  $100 
Contest Specifics:  The theme is “Credit:  Good or Bad”.  In a 2-4 minute video, show your knowledge of credit.  You can address credit cards, interest rates, payday loans, credit scores, the importance of credit, history of credit, how to use credit wisely, etc.  Be creative!   
Deadline:  Friday, March 30, 2012 
Contact: Sarah Cousineau – 816.483.1210 or scousineau@centralbankkc.com 
For more info: Go to www.moneysmartkc.org  for submission packet and flyer 

Black History Month: A Look At Charles Drew

As part of Black History Month, Upward Bound - Avila University would like to take a look at major contributors in Black history. Today, we'll look at Charles Drew, a physician.  
Charles Richard Drew (3 June 1904 – 1 April 1950) was an American physician, surgeon and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces.The research and development aspect of his blood storage work is disputed. Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation, an action which cost him his job. In 1943, Drew's distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first black surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Week 21 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Weekly Announcements 

Week 21
Week of February 6, 2012

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events


Saturday Session
The second Saturday Session for 2012 is Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Students that arrive early will have priority to select March activities. 


**New for Saturday Session: Students should arrive at Whitfield Center, not Hodes Center. It is important that students arrive early to get to their workshops.** 


National TRIO Day Student Fair
On February 25, 2012 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Avila University Upward Bound will be hosting National TRIO Day Student Fair. National TRIO Day is meant to focus the nation’s attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives, to the necessary investment if they are to become contributing citizens of the country, and to the talent which will be wasted if that investment is not made.

To carry out with the purpose of National TRIO Day and the National Day of Service, students will attend workshops ranging from Responsible Social Networking to Financial Aid Literacy, participate in a food drive and have a TRIO alum talk about their experiences.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIIRED TO ATTEND. 

Workshop Opportunity: “More Than A Month”
We've come across a great opportunity for students during Black History Month. During Saturday Session on 2/11, 10 students will be able to attend a screening of "More Than A Month" at the Tivoli Cinemas from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The film follows Shukree Hassan Tilghman, a 29-year-old African-American filmmaker, as he sets out his campaign to end Black History Month. Following the showing, there will be a discussion presented by the Black Studies Department from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Because spots are limited, students will need to RSVP. RSVPs will be on a first come, first serve basis. RSVPs can be done at tutoring, through phone, email, commenting on this blog or mentioning us on Twitter. Students who are signed up for the scarves are not eligible to attend. 


Important Dates
  • ACT Test Prep - February 8, 3 PM - 5 PM
  • Saturday Session - February 11, 9 AM - 12 PM (Required for all students)
  • Habotai Scarves - February 11, 1 PM - 3 PM
  • Kansas State University Campus Visit - February 20, 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Diversity Awareness - February 20, 6:30 PM - 9 PM
If you’re not sure what activity you’re signed up for, visit our blog (under Calendar) or contact the Upward Bound office.

Tutoring Reminders
  • 6 hours of tutoring is required for students NOT on probation
  • 10 of hours of tutoring is required for students on probation
  • A total of 12 hours of tutoring are available at both Grandview HS and Ruskin HS
  • Additional individual tutoring held at Avila can be scheduled with the Upward Bound office with 24 hrs notice.
Wristbands Are In! 
Start off 2012 in style with the official Upward Bound - Avila University wristband. For $2, you can help support the Upward Bound - Avila University scholarship fund by sporting a flashy black and purple wristband. Friends, family, alumni, and current participants are all related to Upward Bound and wearing the wristband is a good way to tell others about Upward Bound!


Stipend
Students who do not pick up their monthly stipends at Saturday Session can pick up their stipends at tutoring the following week. Grandview students can pick their stipends up on the Tuesday after Saturday Session and Ruskin students can pick their stipends up on the Thursday after Saturday Session. After those dates, stipend will be returned the business office at Avila. 

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
EmailUpward.Bound@Avila.edu
Websitewww.avila.edu/ub
Twitter@UpwardBoundAU
FacebookFacebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blogavilaupwardbound.blogspot.com