After the 2008 summer program, Upward Bound will be moving into a brand new, state of the art, and environmental friendly building that is being constructed.

Construction began this fall on the new Student Services Center (SSC). This building will be a four level, 120,000 square foot building on the corner of 2nd Street and Ivy. The SSC will serve as a one-stop shop for students needing services such as admission, records, financial aid, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), disable student services, and more.  The Other TRIO programs, Educational Talent Search (ETS) and Student Support Services (SSS) will also be located there.

The building will be the first “Green Building” in the California State University system meaning that the building approach is toward sustainability by recognizing five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Upward Bound’s area will be on the third floor at the end of the wing facing the library and the Bell Memorial Union (BMU).  The project will be gaining additional space, primarily in the area housing our Upward Bound Alumni Center’s computer laboratory.  There will be space for task teams to work, and the Upward Bound Alumni Association will have its own office.

I have been involved in the planning and design of this building from the beginning.  This is a first for our program and demonstrates the remarkable support that Upward Bound receives from Chico State.  Many grant programs at other institutions have to take what is left over, and staff are seldom included in crucial decisions regarding facilities.  During the past few years, Upward Bound has gained a reputation as not only an outstanding program helping students go to college, but also as an important campus partner that supports the mission of the University.  Thanks to the efforts of staff, which contribute time to University efforts outside of the project, Upward Bound has become more integral to the University.  Of course, the participants are the greatest resource for promoting the worthiness of Upward Bound.  They accomplish this by their leadership, working hard, good conduct on campus and during their internships, as well as their numerous distinctions and awards that they earn.

The staff looks forward to moving into the new building, and Upward Bound will certainly celebrate this giant step up.