Curriculum
The Upward Bound Program at ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico will consist of two major components: academic year program and six-week, non-residential summer program. The curriculum, services and activities in both of the components will complement each other and be geared towards achieving the program's goals and purposes:
- Generate in program participants the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education.
- Generate in program participants the skills and motivation necessary to enter and succeed in a program of postsecondary education.
- Encourage participants to develop positive self-esteem, and leadership skills.
The curriculum, services and activities offered in both components will be comprehensive and intensive. In addition, the curriculum, services and activities will be designed to meet the unique needs of the participants and program objectives.
Academic Year Program (August through May)
The academic year program component begins on the fourth week of August and end on third week of May, which coincides with the regular school year calendar. During this period, participants receive: weekly academic instruction (composition/writing, computer science, literature/reading, mathematics, science and Spanish); tutoring in core subject areas, supplemental instruction, and monitoring of homework if necessary; college entrance preparation; group an individual academic advice and assistance in secondary school course selection; workshops to enhance study skills, test-taking skills, time management and self-esteem; information on postsecondary institutions and financial assistance available for postsecondary education; assistance in applying to a postsecondary institution and for financial aid and scholarships; career guidance and activities; personal counseling; cultural and other educational activities; college orientation activities; assistance in registering for and/or preparing to take one college entrance exam; referral services; mentoring with professionals; family activities; and target school advocacy. The academic instruction, services and activities will generate in participants the skills and motivation to complete secondary school, and enter and succeed in a postsecondary institution.
Summer Program Component (June through July).
From June through the second week of July, ASPIRA provides to all participants with a six-week, non-residential summer program designed to simulate a college-going experience, and strengthen participants' academic skills. During this summer program, participants receive intensive instruction in four out of the six core subject areas (composition/writing, computer science, literature/reading, mathematics, science and Spanish) provided during the academic year. The summer classes are provided at the ASPIRA facilities. The focus of each subject for each grade is:
- Prepare 12th graders for college work in basic skills areas that they are expected to master by the time they enter college.
- Prepare 11th grade students for the College Entrance Examination Board Exam (similar to SAT).
- Reinforce
basic skills for 9th and 10th grade students.
During this six-week non-residential phase, participants receive intensive instruction in basic academic skills such as Sciences, Mathematics, English and Spanish. In the last two, the teachers emphasize composition and literature skills. The summer academic skill classes are integrated with relevant and practical matters such as: statistics, conversational English, grammar, health care, ecology, sexual education, oral communication in Spanish, computers, fractions, etc. Other classes are developed based on participants needs assessments and teachers' evaluations.
In addition to the four core subjects, participants have the opportunity to choose, at least, one elective in arts and crafts. The learning of new skills reveals to participants, undisclosed abilities and aptitudes. Furthermore, it will enhance their self-esteem through the fulfillment of projects and the satisfaction of achievement. The electives include areas such as: 1) creative writing and poetry, 2) dance, 3) drama, 4) drumming, 5) folklore art, 6) modeling, and 7) painting.
Each
class lasts one hour and a half (1.5 hours) and offered twice a week from
Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for workshops, recreational
activities, field trips and excursions. In addition to intensive academic
instruction, participants continue receiving the following services and
activities, essentially, on an individual way: academic advice and assistance
in secondary school course selection; personal counseling; development
of study skills, test-taking skills, time management and self-esteem;
college orientation activities; information on postsecondary institutions
and financial assistance available for postsecondary education; assistance
in registering for and/or preparing to take one college entrance exam;
assistance in applying to a postsecondary institution and for financial
aid and scholarships; cultural and other educational activities; career
guidance and activities; mentoring with professionals; and family activities.