CState Upward Bound students finished their summer studies with Washington DC trip

Jul 24, 2023
Photos and reporting provided by Shelia Bratcher

This summer, 18 students from Mt. Healthy Jr/Sr High School completed the Cincinnati State Upward Bound annual Summer Program, and were rewarded with a college tour that took them to Washington, DC.

The Mt. Healthy students were on Clifton Campus for five weeks in June and early July completing classes in English, Science, Math, Spanish and Career Exploration, and participating in student activities around campus.

  • Cincinnati State Upward Bound at Mount Healthy Jr/Sr High School is a federally funded TRIO grant program that helps students successfully graduate from high school and pursue a college education.
  • Upward Bound supports promising high school students from first-generation, low-income families by providing education and career counseling, academic assistance, and guidance in making informed educational choices.
Upward Bound group with Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard at the National Zoo in Washington, DC

The College Tour and trip to Washington, DC, from July 10-13, included visits to West Virginia University and Howard University. While in DC, the group enjoyed an official White House tour and trips to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Archives, and many monuments.

Also, while visiting the National Zoo, the Upward Bound group ran into a home town celebrity– Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard! (Center of back row in the photo)

Malachi Mingo, who will be a junior at Mt. Healthy Jr/Sr High, said, “I loved every second of this trip. The culture and history we experienced are vast, and it was fun to have my friends with me.”

The Mt. Healthy rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who participated in the summer program and trip to DC were:

  • Nawa Bomjan
  • Daughv’L Cherry-Stewart
  • Tahlia Daniels
  • Jamill Fowler
  • Tiyana Graves
  • Joselyn Hernandez-Nicasio
  • Reese Jones
  • Le’Tayshia Mathes
  • Malachi Mingo
  • Daiyonna Morgan
  • Shianne Norman
  • Shanyiah Parks
  • Imani Robinson
  • Armahnni Smith
  • Niraj Tamang
  • D’Myko Tye
  • Tiara Washington
  • Shia Woody

Cincinnati State Upward Bound is part of Cincinnati State’s College Access Programs and is one of two federally-funded TRIO grants managed by the College. Staff members are Shelia Bratcher, Allyson Knue, and Arlene Brown.

If you’re interested in learning more about ways to partner with the Upward Bound program, please contact Allyson Knue (allyson.knue@cincinnatistate.edu).