However, for 51 students from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico, the final school bell signifies the beginning of summer fun laced with educational opportunities at Wiley College.

"The Upward Bound Program is a very important program, particularly to students who are inspiring to become mathematicians or scientists," said Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, Wiley College president. "What the program tries to do is to ensure that they have the...basic foundation that will allow them to compete successfully in college and on to graduate school."

The all-expenses paid Upward Bound Mathematics and Science Center Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education since 1991, has offered an intensive math and science summer residential program for eligible students from under-represented populations, according to Larry Acker, Wiley public relations director.