Joyce M. Ballaban – Upward Bound Advisor
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!
Dr. Ballaban can be reached at jballaban@racc.edu.
Rhonda Cosgrove – Secretary
My driving force during my high school years was to do as little as possible to get the grade that would reward a diploma. As an adult, I view education in a whole new light. Education is a lifelong process that is to be enjoyed every step of the way. Take it all in every moment of every day.
Now, I’m glad I have the opportunity to assist the Upward Bound Program in their pursuit to encourage and educate students to strive and excel in their schooling and throughout their lives — the perspective I wish I had when I was in high school.
Mrs. Cosgrove can be reached at rcosgrove@racc.edu.
Laura Kruse– Upward Bound Director
David Nazario – Upward Bound Advisor
As a Reading native, it brings me great joy to work as an Upward Bound advisor at Reading High School, assisting students with their pursuit of a higher education. I had the pleasure of graduating from Reading Highin 2002. After graduating, I went on to earn a bachelor's degree from West Chester University. I am currently a candidate for a master's degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University pending the successful completion of my thesis.
It is my belief that the future of this city is dependent upon the ability of our young people to dream big and receive an education beyond a high school diploma. Fortunately, programs like Upward Bound exist to help these dreams become a reality.
Mr. Nazario can be reached at dnazario@racc.edu.
Anna Simon – Upward Bound Advisor
My interest in working with youth began my first summer after high school when a friend asked me to be a camp counselor. His dad was the camp director so I had a guaranteed job that summer, but little did I know, that experience would begin to steer the direction of my entire life! Years later, after moving from central Florida to Pennsylvania, I found myself once again working with youth at a summer camp. Later on, I took a job counseling teens in foster care and began a master’s degree in education. I have worked at Reading Area Community College for almost 4 years now and my love for learning and teaching have only increased in that time. For me, education is not just something that happens in a school building… it takes place everywhere every day, even when we don’t realize it. Upward Bound is a place where I can continue to share my passion for education with the youth of this city and encourage their own life pursuits.
Mrs. Simon can be reached at asimon@racc.edu.Upward Bound offices are located in Reading High School Room 130, The Citadel Room 1010 and Goggleworks Room 330. Call 610-374-0844 for additional information or to refer a student participant.
