Reno Reporter

The Upward Bound program, which is utilized by the University of Nevada, Reno, can be traced back to former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s career as a teacher.

According to a news release shared by the university, Johnson was an elementary teacher in South Texas before entering politics and when he became president signed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 that created Upward Bound and was central to campaign promise to diminish poverty through education development.

“How do you know you’re interested unless you have hands-on experience? Math and science courses and careers can sometimes be perceived as challenging by students. Sometimes they will veer away from them just because they don’t know how cool STEM careers can be. This gives them the opportunity to experience STEM in action,” said Ellen Houston, executive director of the university’s Student Services First-Generation Student Center.

The university has funded the TRIO Upward Bound Washoe Grant since 1967, which is one of the most esteemed Upward Bound programs in the country, according to a news release.

Daniel Smith, Makerspace specialist, had this to say about the collaboration with Upward Bound and its Math Science Program: “The Innevation Center is incredibly excited to partner with Upward Bound for this fantastic program. Last year the Makerspace began its Level Zero internship program where we have a local high school student learn how to safely use the Makerspace equipment to build, create and learn. After learning to use the equipment, the intern is tasked to use their new knowledge on a real-world project.”

In the spring of 2022, the university’s Innevation Center established a partnership with the Upward Bound Classic and Math Science Programs.