North Valleys High School student Jason Mendoza wasn’t quite sure if higher education was for him. During his junior year of high school, he decided to take a chance by joining Upward Bound. Although most high school students enter Upward Bound as freshmen, Mendoza quickly gained confidence while enrolled in the program and developed skills that made college achievable.  

“Being part of Upward Bound prepared me for the outside world. They put on workshops, gave us mentorship and helped me build skills I was always afraid of facing,” said Mendoza, who just began his freshman year at the University.  

The Upward Bound Program is a college prep initiative, serving 246 high school students across Washoe and Lyon counties, hosted at the University of Nevada, Reno. This academic program caters to first generation students offering year-round academic assistance and guidance for college planning. 

For many first-generation students, the path to college is filled with unfamiliarity and self doubt, Mendoza often second-guessed himself.  

“Sometimes I’d ask myself, ‘Why me out of everybody?’ This program showed me I belong here,” he said. “At first, I wasn’t open-minded. It was just like, I am going to go, get my stuff done then leave. I realized it was much more than I expected. It truly felt like a community, a family.”  

Mendoza explained that workshops such as “First-Gen Imposter Syndrome” helped him realize he was not alone.  

Through a mix of workshops, one-on-one mentorship and internships, Upward Bound prepares high school students from freshman year through graduation and beyond. 

Current University students serve as tutors and mentors, offering guidance from math homework, to applying for college applications and scholarships. 

Students also intern with local businesses. Over the summer Mendoza landed an internship with PBS, on the University campus. This opportunity taught him more than he expected.  

“What a lot of people know is the television side. But they also have an education team, which is responsible for putting on educational workshops for students from kindergarten to fourth grade,” Mendoza said.  

Not only did Mendoza practice the leadership skills he’d seen modeled by his mentors, he also discovered a passion for education and helping others. 

Mendoza is majoring in biology and plans to continue his extra circulars as he is already a member of the Science and Engineering Living and Learning Community.  

From his work in Upward Bound, Mendoza was awarded multiple scholarships, including a full-ride scholarship that covers housing. 

Mendoza encourages future students to take advantage of all resources and opportunities. "Sometimes it's hard, but it's all about grounding yourself and coming to the realization that you do belong. Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. It opens so many more doors than anyone would think.”