Listening to students’ ideas and getting them to identify their purpose in life are at the top of the to do list for the new Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) Upward Bound Program Director Keith J. Ware, EdD.
“I have been getting to know the students and asking them what they need from us and the program,” said Ware, who began working at the ESLC on January 8. Ware’s UB programs (Upward Bound EC and BEM) cover the high schools at SIUE East St. Louis Charter, Cahokia and Brooklyn, East St. Louis and Madison.
Prior to coming to SIUE, Ware was director of the African-American Male Initiative at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, Florissant Valley and the Harrison Educational Center. Ware ran the $1.8 million grant for three years.
“When it comes to education, we tend to want to look at the data to determine what is required without also asking the students what they need,” said Ware. “I want to know from their perspective what it is going to take to make them successful. Then my staff and I will design program objectives that intertwine with the Department of Education’s goals and guidelines.”
“We are thrilled that Dr. Ware is bringing his expertise and passion to SIUE’s longest-running Upward Bound programs,” said ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon. “He has hit the ground running with powerful insights and great ideas to inspire, prepare and connect our students to college and beyond.”
Many students identify a career path based on the expected salary or its popularity, according to the new program director.
“Some careers sound good, but students don’t know how that fits with what they enjoy doing or feel they were meant to do,” explained Ware. “We want students to investigate and understand what their purpose is in life.”
“My purpose is to educate, along with providing individuals opportunities to get access,” he continued. “Education is one thing, but people have to understand the benefits of that education and be able to access ways in which they can employ it. There are many people with degrees who are not working in their field of study.”
Ware initially planned to become a lawyer. But, while on a golf scholarship at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., one of his history instructors told him he had a responsibility to help his fellow athletes excel in their studies as he was.
“Dr. Debra Greene, who is now Lincoln University Missouri Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, put me in charge of tutoring student athletes, and that is how I got into education,” said Ware, a third-generation educator. Ware also works as an adjunct instructor at St. Louis Community College, where he teaches American history and African American studies.
“I enjoy working at the community college level, but with the African American Male Initiative program, I realized that the earlier we can get to all of our students,” said Ware, “the more we can do with them.”
The SIUE Upward Bound EC/BEM program helps youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis and Cahokia (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis Charter and Madison (BEM), High Schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12.
Photo: SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Program Director Keith J. Ware, EdD.