In addition to taking courses, students enrolled in the academies have Fridays earmarked to participate in a variety of other enriching activities such as art-making studios, college visits, and off-site team-and-leadership building events.

“We are so proud of our Upward Bound students and commend them for entrusting us with their time during the summer.  Our goal is to inspire a passion for learning in all of our students.  Our instructors pride themselves on connecting students with project-based content that sparks curiosity and engages in students in critical thinking.  We want our students leaving the summer program with a thirst for knowledge and ready to tackle their fall courses,” said Bridge to College Division Director David Celotto.

President De Filippis addressed the students during their first day on campus, extending a warm welcome and encouraging them to learn about the many outstanding programs at the college and advising them to get to know NVCC’s facilities and gardens. She reminded them how wonderful it is to be young and open to a world of possibilities.   “Choose to follow your dreams,” President De Filippis urged the students, “because it is only when we dare to dream that we become our better selves.”