Upward Bound

The Upward Bound Project was part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and provides support to participants in their preparation for college. The Iowa program has been in existence since 1965 and is funded to serve 99 students. The partnership between Upward Bound and the Iowa LEND program provides opportunities for LEND staff and trainees to take on leadership roles with the Upward Bound students and to teach them about healthcare careers in developmental disabilities.

Upward Bound students who will be college freshmen in the fall, spent eight weeks on campus this summer. These "Bridge" students were enrolled in a University of Iowa course, participated in Bridge seminars, organized a community service project and participated in a job shadow experience.

During June and July, thirteen Bridge students participated in job shadow experiences at the Center for Disabilities and Development. At their request, job shadows were set up for them with Medicine, Audiology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Students talked to LEND trainees and staff members from these disciplines, and observed activities related to patient care.

At the end of their job shadows, the Bridge students completed an online evaluation in order to provide feedback about their experience. Several students communicated they thought they would enjoy working with children. Others stated that they appreciated being able to "experience" a job, and felt they would be interested in doing an internship in order to learn more about specific careers in developmental disabilities.