July 19, 2023
By LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
The Upward Bound II Program at Mississippi Valley State University has had a very productive summer. From collaborating with the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA) to hosting STEM training and presenting a stage play, the students of the UB II Program were active from the beginning to the end of the program.
From June 5, 2023, to June 9, 2023, the UB II Program partnered with the BGCA to educate and provide the students with resources in the gaming/esports, technology, & entertainment industries. Also, the UB II Program collaborated with the Coahoma Community College Talent Search in a three-day STEM training on June 5, June 7, and June 9, 2023. On July 6, 2023, "No Regrets," written by Jerome Petty, the Upward Bound II Coordinator, was presented by the program's students.
The collaboration with BGCA consisted of a five-day program dedicated to connecting high school students with corporate partners and leaders in the gaming/esports, technology, and entertainment industries, along with resources provided by MVSU Gaming & Innovation Lab.
During the collaboration, advisors worked with the students in the lab, and students created vision projects for the program's conclusion. The partnership's goal was to provide valuable information to students so they may gain scholarships playing the games they love, graduate from college and ultimately get a job working in the Gaming & Esport Industry.
Coahoma Community College TRiO talent search participated in this gaming collaboration. Furthermore, they participated in the gaming competition to gain valuable information on the ins and outs of the gaming console versus the gaming system.
Also, during the STEM training collaboration with Coahoma Community College Talent Search, students were taught how to use the different equipment. It was a hands-on approach filled with excitement as they continued their path to college.
The UB II program used current technologies (3-D Printer, Brush Boxes, Apple Lab, & Manufacturer Studio) to capture the imagination and "hook" for learning during the visit. Through these activities, students learned about Growth Mindset to create safe learning environments where failure was embraced as a learning activity.
By the end of the program, the Upward Bound II students presented the play "No Regrets."
The message behind the play was to treat people how you would want to be treated, which would make people happier and live without regrets.
