News and Events : News 03-04

Press Release July 6, 2004

Northfield Mount Hermon Upward Bound Program to host Legislative Forum 

NORTHFIELD , Mass. —The Northfield Mount Hermon Upward Bound Program will host a legislative forum on July 9 from 10:30 am to 3 pm in the Auditorium on the school’s Northfield campus. 

The forum highlights the theme that is being explored throughout the six-week Upward Bound Summer Academy . This year’s theme is “For the people, by the people: understanding our rights and responsibilities in a democracy.” The legislators will help students, alumni, and families understand the legislative process and current issues related to access to higher education. The forum will also help to educate attending legislators on the importance of programs like Upward Bound, which help increase access to higher education for underrepresented citizens. 

In tribute to the former president of the Northfield Mount Hermon School (1961-1979), the Howard L. Jones Award will be given to Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg, D-Mass., who personifies the vision, energy, and commitment exemplified by Jones in expanding opportunity in education. Jones was instrumental in developing the original Upward Bound Program and other opportunity programs at NMH in the 1960s and 70s. 

The following Massachusetts and federal legislators are scheduled to attend:

A representative from the office of Congressman John Olver
Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg of Franklin County 
Sen. Linda J. Melconian of Springfield 
Rep. Mary S. Rogeness of Springfield 
Rep. Michael F. Kane of Holyoke 

The Upward Bound Program at NMH is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is an initiative designed to provide low-income students with the skills and motivation needed to go to college. The students come from a group that has statistically demonstrated a low likelihood of graduating from high school, going to college, and finishing college. NMH Upward Bound counters the risk factors for these students by providing long-term, rigorous, and intensive services to 66 students from Franklin County , Springfield , and Holyoke . NMH is one of only two secondary schools that host this program. 

Contact: Gisele Litalien, Director NMH Upward Bound Program, 413- 498-3652 or glitalien@nmhschool.org

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