![[left] Aerial view of Jet Set nightclub after roof collapse. [right] Rubby Perez doing a live performance there. Thumbnail done on Canva.](https://dmhsherald.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HH-Thumnail-38-1200x777.png)
Upward Bound: What is it?
Upward Bound is a national, federally funded program for students all around the U.S. I’ve been a proud scholar of the program since the beginning of this year. Upward Bound at Clark University focuses on helping students in High School all around Worcester to fill out and submit their resumes for Colleges, prepare for SAT and MCAS, and other important requirements to graduate. Ever since joining Upward Bound, I’ve have made several connections, either by networking or simply making friends, and the instructors/staff members have been very welcoming, especially to new scholars like us joining the 4 year program. Although applying to become a scholar at Upward Bound was a lot of hard work, it’s paying off really well because of the new experiences we all share as a program, like listening to speeches from very knowledgeable people and going to tour colleges and universities. As of yet, I’ve been to Worcester State University and Framingham State University however, there are plenty of more trips we’re going to do like in the summer, where all the scholars have to stay at dorms there at Clark University, traveling out of state to tour colleges, and work internships to expand our resumes.
About Western New England University
“Founded in 1919, Western New England University is a New Traditional University preparing learners and earners for the Future of Work, equipping them to create value and thrive in a complex and hyperconnected world. As a private, comprehensive coeducational university, it serves 2,600 undergraduates through nearly 50 majors and programs as well as graduate and doctoral students through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy and Health Services, and the School of Law.” – According to a handout given during the tour.
Facts about WNE: (according to a handout given during the tour)
- 2,500 undergraduate students (3,650 total enrollment)
- 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 70+ clubs and organizations
- 60+ undergraduate majors/programs (100+ total)
- 98% of students receive financial aid.
- 18 student average class size
- $32K in scholarships
- #1 in Springfield, MA for ROI
- $100+ million investment in facilities
- 96% of WNE’s Class for 2023 started graduate school or accepted a job within 6 months of graduation
- WNE is #3 in the region for ROI
- Starting Salary for graduates is higher than 52 of the top 100 institutions in the country.Handout given during the tour.
Tour
After a long 1 hour bus ride, all 30 of us hopped out and headed towards the Kevin S. Delbridge Welcome Center. In a matter of minutes, we met Gehrig Burnett, who’s the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions there. After introducing himself and welcoming us to the campus, we met our tour guides for the day. We were then split into 2 groups with one of the guides, and began touring the campus.
We passed by the University Commons building, where we were invited to eat lunch there later, and walked straight to Herman Hall, where there were classrooms, faculty offices, and a bunch of other centers inside.
We then went to the St. Germain Campus Center, where inside had an art gallery, a bookstore, and other centers and programs for the students that attended WNE, as well as a huge game room and study area.
Our next stop was WNE’s mascot, the golden bear. A tradition at Western New England University is that the day before the first day of classes, new students take a picture with the mascot. The second part of the tradition is that before they graduate, students take another picture in the same spot, showing how far they’ve come during their time at the university, all for good luck in graduating.
Next up was LaRiviere Center, which was a learning center and a residential living building. We then headed towards the Anthony Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center, which was basically an Athletics center, full of awards, experts, fitness rooms, and a giant pool inside. There was also a basketball youth camp present at the gymnasium there.
My favorite part of the tour was probably passing by the D’Amour Library, as it’s flowers and stairwell was pretty to stare at. The cherry blossom trees were also very beautiful as well.
Lunch + Workshop + Q&A Session
After walking by Churchhill Hall, where there were classes going on, it was time for lunch! Inside the University Commons, they offered us some delicious pizza and probably one of the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever eaten there. While everyone was finishing up, we were then introduced to Maddie and Nolan, students who were currently attending WNE, for a financial literary workshop/presentation. Afterwards, were had a Q&A Session with Gehrig, asking him questions about the university and college admissions and experiences in general. He provided us with helpful, informative answers and genuinely appreciated our participation.
After saying our goodbyes to the tour guides, the students, Gehrig, and other welcoming staff members, we all headed back to the bus. With the sun beaming on us, the sky turned a beautiful shade of blue, making the experience feel even more unforgettable for everyone with Upward Bound.
I just wanted to say a special thanks on behalf of Upward Bound for Western New England University for inviting us to tour the whole campus and making memorable moments with you all! I can confidently say this was by far the top best College/University tours I’ve done with Upward Bound so far. Thank you for following along, and do not forget to click the comment button on the right-hand side to share your opinions and critiques on this matter! Tune in for more articles.
![Yolanda Saldívar [left], Selena Quintanilla [right]. | Thumbnail done on Canva.](https://dmhsherald.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HH-Thumnail-31-1200x777.png)
