Forward Service Corporation’s youth programs are in full swing this summer, with students from Upward Bound West, Upward Bound East, and College Bound Math Science diving into transformative experiences both on and off college campuses.
Exploring New Horizons at UW-River Falls
Upward Bound West and College Bound Math Science students kicked off the summer with two action-packed weeks at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Living in dorm rooms, eating in the dining hall, and attending courses taught by college professors, participants got an authentic taste of campus life.
The hands-on learning didn’t disappoint. Students built their own watersheds to understand environmental impact, examined real brains up close, made mozzarella cheese from scratch (and got to taste their creations), and explored how graphs apply to real-world problems. Beyond the classroom, evening recreation activities—including the wildly popular “Trivia With Taylor”—gave students a chance to bond and unwind.
The adventure extended beyond River Falls with tours of the CVTC River Falls campus, UWRF Mann Valley Farm, and a trip to Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The week wrapped up with a visit to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Pathways to Purpose: Upward Bound East Explores Careers and Community
Meanwhile, the Upward Bound East crew took a different but equally enriching path. Starting at the College of Menominee Nation, students sharpened their math skills, practiced notetaking strategies, and polished their resumes and brag sheets.
Career exploration took center stage with two standout visits. At the Shawano Historical Society, curator Jesse Borlen—a Clintonville graduate—led students through historic buildings while revealing the fascinating work behind museum curation. (Fun fact: Shawano once had a milk riot serious enough to summon the National Guard, and Victorian ladies created jewelry from human hair.)
Later, Wisconsin AHEC introduced students to health careers through interactive stations featuring VR headsets and—naturally—smoothies.
Giving Back Through Service
Community service anchored the week for Upward Bound East students. They spent two afternoons at Cloverleaf Lakes transplanting native grasses and plants with the organization WAMSCO, then headed to Red River Riders to oil tack and tackle cleaning projects. Both organizations welcomed the students to continue volunteering throughout high school.
These first weeks set a strong foundation for a summer of growth, exploration, and connection. Thank you to all the organizations and programs who welcomed our students with open arms. They learned so much, have discovered so many career pathways, and had so much fun – and this is just the beginning!
To learn more about these programs, visit College Bound Math Science and Upward Bound at Forward Service Corporation.
