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A Central High School freshman has been accepted into the Alabama State University (ASU) Upward Bound Math and Science Program, an effort that inspires and supports qualified participants through stimulating activities and academic instruction, cultural and historically significant field trips, life-changing experiences and more.

Raydrick McDonald was accepted into the program Aug. 12. He will begin participating by attending orientation Aug. 27, where he will join other students selected from Central as well as Johnson Abernathy Graetz (JAG) and George Washington Carver high schools in Montgomery.

Coordinator Kimberely McKinney said the program is a spinoff of the Federal TRIO Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

“These programs were set up in the late 1960s to target people who are interested in college or maybe the first generation where no one in their family has gone to college,” McKinney said. “Upward Bound Math and Science is under the umbrella of TRIO, so we’re helping students from JAG, Carver and Central improve in math, science, technology and engineering (STEM). It’s our goal to get them to go to college, but also even pursue STEM careers.”

The program is free and participating students receive a stipend; McKinney noted. Academic and summer components allow students to visit ASU twice a month, every other Saturday, for learning focused on math, science, English and basic core skills plus fun, hands-on activities.

“Last year we did something with robotics and prosthetics,” McKinney said. “We also did STEM activities. So, we’re doing a lot of academics as well as a lot of fun activities.”

McDonald’s grandmother, Laura James-Hunter, helps McKinney with the program’s recruiting efforts and expressed her gratitude for the way McKinney, ASU program director Dr. Acquanetta Pinkard and Central principal Archie Curtis support students in reaching their higher education goals.

“All this is intended for students interested in obtaining pre-access to college information while also improving their overall academic performance in high school and throughout higher education,” Hunter explained. “Congratulations to Raydrick McDonald, a freshman at Central High School where Principal Archie Curtis continues to assist his students to strive for academic and social excellence.”

For more information about the program, call McKinney at (334) 245-0855 or visit www.alasu.edu.