A PROGRAM EVALUATION OF THE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM

The Upward Bound Program of education for the disadvantaged is a federally sponsored and funded program intended to break the cycle of poverty especially with respect to the nation's racial minor- ities. Upward Bound seeks to identify low-income and educationally disadvantaged students, motivate and counsel them in their pursuit of secondary educational alternatives, and provide guidance, tutorial, and other services following college entry.;According to the research data, 93.2% of the Tennessee State University Upward Bound participants earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. In the Metropolitan-Nashville Davidson School System during the 5 years investigated (1978-83), 72% of the total population and 63% of the black population earned a high school diploma. Consequently, the first objective was met. During these 5 years 82% of these participants pursued postsecondary studies with approximately 60% graduating. The local statistics state that less than 50% of all high school graduates enter postsecondary insti- tutions with less than 20% graduating.;On the national level there appears to be no difference in the Upward Bound participants versus nonparticipants. This study contradicted national findings. There appears to be an 80% post- secondary entrance (nationally) which was consistent (82%) with this program locally.;This program was successful in meeting all instructional man- dated goals and objectives as set forth by the national guidelines. It provided basic social, cultural, and academic skills for all students,;The causal-comparative program evaluation model was implemented throughout this research. It focused primarily on the academic development throughout secondary education of the Tennessee State University Upward Bound participants. The three major objectives of the Upward Bound program are: to increase the high school graduation rate of its participants, to increase the rate of entry into institutions of post-secondary education, and to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond the secondary level (Burkheimer, 1976).;eliminating the "tracking system" making learning a personal endeavor.;Reference Note.;Burkheimer, G. J. A study of the national upward bound and talent search program. Final Report. Vol. 4. Evaluation Study of the Upward Bound Program. Durham, N.C.: Center for Educational Research and Evaluation, RTI, 1976.