From July 14 to July 17, students from across San Diego County gathered at San Diego State University to present their research in a mock thesis defense presentation symposium—marking the finale of this year’s Upward Bound Summer Academy. Hosted by the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE), this month-long program gave low-income, first-generation high school students a unique glimpse into college life. Participants lived in dorms, attended lectures, and even received a stipend to conduct independent research on public health issues impacting their communities.
One standout presentation came from Rukundo Muhuzi, who tackled The Impact of War on Women and Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo—a powerful example of how deeply these students care about global justice and community health.
An impressive list of topics ranged from social, environmental, health, and technological issues affecting communities today such as teen mental health, homelessness, immigration policies, the effects of deportation on families, AI technology, social media effects, war impacts, and climate change.
Students hailed from schools in Sweetwater, San Diego Unified, and Grossmont school districts, with ongoing support from ITE advisors in each location. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Cynthia Park, ITE houses federally funded TRIO programs like Upward Bound and Talent Search, which provide academic and career support to students historically left behind.
With federal TRIO funding now under threat from federal cuts to the Department of Education, this year’s Summer Academy is both a celebration of student brilliance and a critical reminder of what could be lost without continued support for programs that lift students and communities alike.
Stay tuned for the full story coming shortly.
