The University of Iowa College of Engineering hosted Upward Bound students in the first Saturday Academy of the year on October 4, 2014. Upward Bound students participated in Explore Engineering, an event that brought together nearly 250 students from across the state and across the country to take a closer look at what the different engineering disciplines have to offer.

Students heard from current students about their experiences with their own college search process and what they looked for, and even how they struggled during their first year. Additionally, current engineering students shared their involvement in student organizations, internships, research, and a variety of other programs and how they were able to balance those activities with a full academic load.

Upward Bound participants also heard presentations by UI faculty members from each of the College of Engineering’s six engineering majors, so students could get a better understanding of the different engineering fields and what types of problems they solve.

The College of Engineering will host additional events throughout the year including four more Explore Engineering days and the Noche de Ciencias, a night of hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities on November 11, 2014. (For more information on the Noche de CIencias, contact Aribet DeJesus at aribet-dejesus@uiowa.edu)

Upward Bound Saturday Academies occur each month on The University of Iowa campus. These events provide a chance for the 127 high school students in the Upward Bound program to explore life on a college campus, interact with participants from other schools, and connect with campus and community leaders. The next Saturday Academy takes place on November 8 and will focus on community service.