SANFORD — Sanford School is extending its student’s educational opportunities as much as possible.

Since 2017, Victoria Scheibe, Dailin Estrada, Allison Westberg, Tiffany Ruvlio  and Keith Wise are all students currently participating in Upward Bound Math and Science program, which is federally funded and designed to assist low-income and first-generation students enroll and successfully, as well as complete a college degree.

School Counselor Kristy Duran said: “Sanford is a part of the Upward Bound Math and Science program.

Students receive pre-collegiate support throughout high school. Upward Bound focuses on preparing our students for college through academic support, experience and exposure to colleges and universities throughout the state.”  

All the students agreed that Upward Bound really helped their socialization skills.

Keith Wise said: “It has definitely helped me break out of my shell. (I) definitely feel more comfortable with myself in social situations.”

Allison Westburg added: “I use to be really introverted. 

“Now, I talk to a lot more people and I know how to talk to others.

“I never got a chance to go to different schools, especially since I don’t do sports, but now I know a lot of kids from different schools.”

The program helps students learn about themselves and how to successfully plan for future goals, especially college.

Tiffany said: “Sometimes we research the jobs we want to do and the college course work we would have to do for that or we research colleges we are interested in.

“If we need community service for our applications, they help us find it.”

Victoria Scheibe added: “It helped me academically because I am more prepared for what’s to come during the school year, and it helped me prepare with the PSAT.

Upward Bound hosts a summer residential component, which is held at the Adams State University campus.

The students live in the dorms during the week and take classes designed to improve test scores and GPA.

“It has helped me choose what kind of college I want to go to and I had an English 101 class so that helped me get some college credit,” Joel Maestas said. “They also have group activities designed to mimic college co-curricular activities and get to know students from schools all over the Valley.

Dailin Estrada added : “I like meeting people. I made a lot of connections with a lot of schools. Now, when we go to other schools for sports ,I know a lot of their players.”

Each year the 40 highest ranking participants are invited to apply for an incentive trip. Fifteen Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science students are selected to participate. As a result of hard work and dedication, Dailin, Victoria and this year, Keith Wise will be going to Pennsylvania and New York to tour Temple University, Penn Law School and meet other Upward Bound students from across the nation in addition to learning more about historical locations. The program also takes numerous college exploration field trips throughout Colorado and New Mexico, aiming to expose students to as many colleges and universities as possible.

Upward Bound advisors come into the schools and help the students be as successful as possible not only academically, but also in planning their future endeavors.

For more information on the program, please contact Angelica Valdez at 719-587-7865.