UPWARD BOUND AT INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Academic Year 2026-2027 Newsletter
Director's Corner
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Welcome to the 2026-2027 Academic Year!
Hello to all of our wonderful parents, students, alumni, and community partners!
Welcome to another exciting year with Upward Bound! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we are delighted to have you as part of our community. This newsletter is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and experiences that make our program so meaningful. Inside, you'll find highlights from the past year, introductions to our dedicated staff, student achievements, important dates, and a glimpse at the opportunities that await throughout the coming academic year. We hope these pages reflect the heart of our program and the incredible accomplishments of the students we have the privilege of serving.
At Upward Bound, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to dream boldly, pursue higher education with confidence, and discover their unique potential. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our families, alumni, schools, and community partners who invest in our students every step of the way. Thank you for being an essential part of our Upward Bound family. We are excited to continue this journey together and look forward to a year filled with learning, leadership, service, and unforgettable memories.
Sincerely,
Micaela Larkin
Micaela Larkin
Director of Upward Bound
Our Impact
Student Persistence & Growth
The 2025–2026 academic year marks another exciting chapter for Indiana Wesleyan University's Upward Bound program as we continue our mission of empowering students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. While this annual report highlights our current program and participants, it also celebrates the achievements and outcomes of the 2024–2025 academic year, demonstrating the lasting impact of Upward Bound on the students, families, and communities we proudly serve.
Looking back on the 2024–2025 academic year, Upward Bound served 56 students and celebrated a 100% high school graduation rate and 100% postsecondary enrollment rate among its graduating seniors. As we transitioned into the 2025–2026 academic year, 89.4% of eligible participants continued their Upward Bound journey, reflecting the strong relationships, meaningful support, and sense of belonging fostered throughout the program. We also welcomed 15 new participants, bringing total enrollment to 57 students, with nearly 74% qualifying as both first-generation and low-income.
Continuing this tradition of excellence, the 2025–2026 senior class also achieved a 100% high school graduation rate and 100% postsecondary enrollment rate, demonstrating the enduring impact of our mission. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work of our students, the unwavering support of their families, the dedication of our staff, and the invaluable partnerships with our schools and community. Together, we are expanding opportunities, opening doors to higher education, and equipping students with the confidence and skills to thrive long after they leave our program.
Through persistence, opportunity, and support, we are building brighter futures together-
one student at a time.
*Data complied from Academic Years 2024-2025 & 2025-2026
A Year at a Glance
2025-2026 Year Reflection
This past year, Upward Bound students participated in a variety of experiences designed to encourage academic growth, personal development, leadership, and community engagement. Students demonstrated teamwork and initiative by organizing and participating in a fundraising bake sale during Indiana Wesleyan University's Homecoming Tailgate, helping support future program opportunities while engaging with the campus community. During the fall, students explored the rich tradition of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow through an educational haunted hayride experience, using literature and storytelling as a gateway to discuss American folklore, history, and the ways culture is preserved through generations.
Students also embraced the importance of service by volunteering at St. Martin’s Community Center, where they prepared and served meals to Marion residents experiencing food insecurity. Through career and college exploration, participants attended the Junior Achievement Career Ignite Conference, connecting with universities, employers, and industry professionals while discovering future educational and career pathways. To conclude the year, students expressed their creativity during a hands-on resin and glass art workshop at Art Alive, strengthening problem-solving skills and artistic confidence through creative expression. While these are just a few highlights from an incredible year, they reflect Upward Bound's commitment to providing meaningful opportunities that inspire students to grow academically, personally, and as engaged members of their communities.
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