MCC Daily Tribune

MCC Upward Bound Collaborates for Student Success

This summer MCC Upward Bound students engaged in a series of innovative programs designed to prepare them for college, careers, and overall personal success. We collaborated with several agencies to provide opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership development, and exposure to higher education pathways.

During the first week of our 6-week summer program, workshops hosted by the Gandhi Institute introduced mindfulness, leadership, and facilitation practices. Students explored how to listen empathetically and lead conversations effectively—skills that strengthen both personal growth and community leadership.

MCC UB assisted in facilitating a Financial literacy work study through Go For Gold, a program delivered with support from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester. Students learned strategies for managing their financial futures and trained as peer educators, preparing them to share financial knowledge in their schools and communities.

Students also participated in Experiencing Civic Life, made possible with our collaboration with the University of Rochester Humanities Department. The program is a fully residential program that allows participants to experience collegiate academic life, engage in field studies/visiting historic sites in the community, and explore why the disciplines of history, philosophy, literature, and the arts are currently relevant.

This summer we collaborated with the Liberty Partnership Program and MCC’s Forward Center, allowing students to participate in the Youth W.O.R.K. Program. This program equipped participants with essential soft skills and civic engagement training. Students worked directly with universal robots, NC3, and fabrication tools, and earned OSHA certification upon successful completion.

At the University of Rochester Medical Center, students also participated in the NextGen of Surgery Program. During this time students received firsthand exposure to healthcare and surgical careers. In addition to mentorship and academic enrichment, participants presented research proposals at the program’s closing ceremony.

In partnership with the University of Rochester, students participated in Broad Exposure to Science and Technology. Conducting advanced research at East High School, they worked with cutting-edge optical, mechanical, and microscopy systems, including interferometry and holography.

Additionally, one student also participated in the Unified Court System program which offered an interactive introduction to the judiciary. Students observed court processes and studied civil, family, and criminal justice systems, gaining a deeper understanding of the role courts play in civic life.

Photo Captions:

Adela Presentation: Student doing a presentation in classroom at the B.E.S.T. Program ending ceremony.
BESTGroup: Group photo of staff and student presenters standing in front of video screen at the B.E.S.T. Program ending ceremony.
CHAT Walk: 8 CHAT students sitting, with the city of Rochester behind them, and taking a break to go on a healthy walk.
Jhonathan Presentation: Student presentation using a video screen in a classroom at the B.E.S.T. Program ending ceremony.
Luis Presentation: Student standing by a video screen in a classroom and presenting on what they learned from Go for Gold.
Next Gen Presentation: Group photo of 3 student presenters standing by presentation boards at the Next Gen ending ceremony.
Unified Court System: Group photo of Unified Court System participants standing on a curved stairway.
Youth WORK Group: A group photo of students who participated in the Youth W.O.R.K. Program at MCC's Forward Center.

Attached Files:
Adela Presentation.jpg
BESTGroup.jpg
CHAT Walk.jpg
Jhonathan Presentation.jpg
Luis Presentation.jpg
Next Gen Presentation.jpg
Unified Court System.jpg
Youth WORK Group.jpg

Melea Jones
Upward Bound
09/15/2025