Summer Program
A blended experience
The GVSU TRIO Upward Bound Detroit Program has a six-week, summer partial residential component where the students reside on GVSU's Allendale Campus for two weeks during the month of June. In July, students will spend three weeks in Detroit exploring and experiencing the city with other UB Detroit students. In the final week, students will travel the country visiting colleges and universities while being exposed to varying cultures and experiences.
During the summer, students live in an environment much like the one they will experience when they are in college. Students take classes, complete internships, and attend trips that are cultural and educational in nature.
To be eligible, students must have participated in the TRIO UB Detroit’s academic year component.
Allendale experience (two weeks)
Residence halls and living centers
- Students reside in one of the campus residential halls or living centers and may share a room with another student.
- UB hires current college students and UB alumni to serve as tutors and mentors. They are located in the same building, along with full-time UB program staff, to provide supervision and support.
Student meals
- Student meals are served at Fresh Foods, the main cafeteria at GVSU. Students receive a college dining experience and are able to select from a wide variety of choices.
Recreational activities
- Students are issued a GVSU I.D. that provides access to the GVSU Recreation Center and Fieldhouse, located on the Allendale campus.
- There are basketball, tennis, racquetball, volleyball, and badminton courts. The facility also includes a swimming pool, weight machines, indoor and outdoor tracks, and a climbing center.
Detroit experience (Four weeks)
Academics
- Students attend four classes in English, Spanish, math, and science with varying class schedules. Students may also serve as interns on campus.
- Class sizes are kept small and designed for one-on-one interaction, hands on experiences, and student connections. Tutoring is built into the daily schedule with the goal of providing a designated time for completing homework and receiving individual support.
Additional activities and cultural trips
- Activities off-campus are incorporated into the daily schedule. These may include environmental-based activities, career exploration, and/or college and university tours. Partnerships have included John Ball Zoo, Mercantile Bank, and a variety of Michigan colleges and universities.
- Each summer concludes with a cultural trip for students who have met the eligibility requirements. Previous trips have included locations such as New York, San Francisco, and Boston.