Staff

Sandra F.Sorrels – Director of Upward Bound Program

Joyce M. Ballaban – Upward Bound Counselor

When I was in high school I couldn’t wait to get out. I talked myself out of going to college with the excuse that my family didn’t have the money. The real truth was I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I didn’t have the confidence that I was smart enough to go to college. After working at a low skill and low paying job, I began to think that I needed more than a high school diploma. Once I learned there was financial aid to pay for college and that it wasn’t necessary to know exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, I started going to Penn State University.

I was the first in my family to go to college and once I started I was hooked. I’ve been going to colleges and universities for over 20 years and I finally have a Doctorate! Will I stop? Heck NO! I’m already looking for the next class to take. I am a life long learner.

It is my hope you too will develop a love for knowledge. Upward Bound is a great program to begin exploring and developing your academic potential!

E-mail me at jballaban@racc.edu for more information.

Lucy Dong – Upward Bound Counselor

I am a strong believer in and advocate for education because I feel that “Education is the Key” that opens doors to a world of possibilities.

As the eldest female child in a family that migrated from Puerto Rico in the 1950’s and initially did not speak the English language, expectations were not particularly high that any of the children would go to college in fact finishing high school was about all that was expected. However, I dreamed of bigger and better things. I could not and would not accept the limitations placed on me due to cultural and socioeconomic factors.

It took many years but after much work and dedication (with many detours and roadblocks encountered on the way), I finally received a Bachelor’s in Education in 1993. In 1999, I was able to complete Graduate Studies and received a Master’s in Education.

Was it all worth it, ABSOLUTELY.

email: ldong@racc.edu

Suzanne Steinrock – Office Manager for Upward Bound Program

email: ssteinrock@racc.edu