Being the first person in her family to graduate college, in part because of the guidance and help of a government-funded TRIO program, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Yvonne Maldonado Hart knows the value of and need for such opportunities.
It is one reason that drew Hart to the SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Upward Bound (UB) Scholar’s Academy program, and compels her to offer her best as its director.
“I am a strong believer that TRIO programs work, since I am a proud alumna of Columbia University’s TRIO Talent Search Program,” proclaimed Hart. “Both of my parents migrated from Puerto Rico to New York City seeking better opportunities. I have seen many low income, first-generation students graduate from Upward Bound programs who are making a positive impact in their communities as educators, lawyers, doctors, nurses, counselors, engineers, law enforcement officers and more.”
While Hart has seen the successes of first-generation students, she realizes that the need for college preparation and training for low-income students remains high.
“Low-income students are being left behind,” she reported. “Only 38 percent of low-income high school seniors go straight to college, as compared to 81 percent of their peers in the highest income quartile. Then once enrolled in college, low-income students earn bachelor’s degrees at a rate less than half of their high-income peers or 21 percent compared to 45 percent.”
At the ESLC’s Scholar’s Academy, Hart has been working for the past year to exceed her program objectives for the students and their families.
“We provide guidance, access, and information on the processes of college admissions, financial aid and scholarship applications, and also offer career information,” said Hart, who has worked in education for more than 20 years. “We expose students to the college environment with college visits, cultural and career exploration, and opportunities for character and leadership development.”
“My goal as director is to share the knowledge I have gained,” concluded Hart, “and empower youth to reach their dreams, despite the obstacles they face.”
With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.
Photo: Yvonne Maldonado Hart, SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Scholars Academy program director.