MCC-Blue River Upward Bound students tape show

Lights! Camera! Action! Students of MCC-Blue River’s Upward Bound program recently got the chance to create and film their own debate-style show. The students were asked to participate in such roles as director, moderator and camera person to gain experience in producing a show.

The show featured guests Dr. Joe Seabrooks, Blue River president and Wes Parham, program advisor. The two guests debated which professional basketball player, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, was the better athlete.

Video class student Anna Hatley, who served as a director, said the experience made her a better leader. “I learned how to call out different instructions to the camera person,” said Hatley. “I also learned about the different equipment used to film a show.”

Hatley also learned skills that she used in other areas of the program. “I learned what college life was really about. Not being absent and working as a team, were important skills I developed. Also, I became an international person, getting to know a lot of different cultures.”

The Upward Bound program is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education and serves ninth and tenth grade students from Independence, Fort Osage and Raytown High schools. The program’s objective is to help high school students from low income and/or first generation families in those school districts pursue and attain a college education.

All services offered to participants are free of charge and include instruction and tutoring in math, science, English, social studies and foreign language. The program also offers workshops and classes that promote good study habits, study skills, communication and critical thinking skills. In addition, students receive academic and personal counseling.

While in Upward Bound, participants are exposed to a variety of educational, cultural and recreational activities to help prepare them for experiences in a multicultural world.

During the summer, students prepare for the coming academic year. The instructors find creative ways to make learning fun. For example, students may build a bridge in math and learn geometry concepts at the same time. In biology, they may swab their own fluids and study the fluids under a microscope. Such creative processes keep students focused and engaged in the learning process.

Once the Upward Bound students graduate from high school, they receive six credit hours at any MCC campus, at no cost to the student. The grant also pays fees for the ACT and application fees to any school; no limit. For more infomration about this program and others, call 816.604.6400 or visit www.mcckc.edu/blueriver.