Below is a list of some of the programs that Onward & Upward has implemented.  As the organization's resources and support increase the quantity and robustness of its programs will increase as well.

• Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour

This program is designed to raise the awareness of talented minority youths about HBCUs and ultimately encourage them to seek admittance.  On July 14-17, 2005, students traveled to Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

 

While visiting the university students had an opportunity to tour the campus as a whole, as well as opportunities to take individual tours of departments of interest where faculty and students of each department will be available to answer any questions the students may have.  During their downtime the students also had an opportunity to enjoy the social aspects of Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.

 

This trip constituted the first of an annual effort by Onward & Upward (O&U) to take Illinois youths to at least one HBCU.  For more information on the talented group of youths that participated in the 2005 HBCU Tour click the Youth Bios link to your left.  To see pictures of the 2005 HBCU Tour click either of the Photo Links to your left.

 

Each successive year O&U plans to make the HBCU Tour more robust, to include more participants, as well as more colleges and universities.  In order for the expansion and growth to take place your prayers, support, and donations will definitely be necessary.  For information regarding making a donation to Onward & Upward contact us via e-mail at donations@Onward-Upward.org or by phone at (309) 750-1669.

 

For information on how to become a participant in the Annual HBCU Tour e-mail us at HBCU_Tour@Onward-Upward.org.

• College Application Fee Sponsorship Program

As a way of supporting the students that participated in the O&U Black College Tour 2005, O&U will cover the cost of each student's first two college applications.  The stipulations on the program are as follows: the student must have attended O&U's Black College Tour 2005, at least one of the applications must be for admission to an HBCU, each application must be totally completed and submitted prior to the respective institution's deadline.  In the event students have already submitted applications prior to being made aware of this program please contact Keyonn Pope for information on reimbursement.

In 2006, O&U plans to offer its College Application Fee Sponsorship Program to a larger pool of student applicants.  Please check the website frequently for further details in the coming months.

• Scholarship Program

More details coming soon!

• Youth Mentoring Program

More details coming soon!