Lyndon Institute’s in-house, federally-funded Upward Bound program—the only one in Vermont and one of only a handful in the country—just celebrated its fourth summer of on-campus programming.

“It was our most successful summer yet,” said program director Lindsay Carpenter. “We had twenty-four students participate, and all but one were residential.”

While LI’s Upward Bound program works with a larger cohort during the academic year, many of the students also elect to join the five-week summer program offering a deeper, more intense experience that strengthens academic, social, career, and life skills.

For the summer of 2026, Carpenter and Assistant Director BryAnna Goslant—who was just selected to attend the New England Educational Opportunity Association’s Arnold Mitchem Leadership Institute—added a few new wrinkles that helped contribute to the program’s success.

“This summer, we kicked things off with a trip, which is different from what we’ve done the last few years. It worked well and really set the tone for the summer by giving the kids a chance to get to know each other and to get to know the residential staff in a unique setting.”

In previous summers, the trip occurred in the final week of the program after students had spent over a full month together. Another change was the destination. While previous years’ programs had students visiting major cities like Boston and Philadelphia, this year saw students heading deep into the northern woods of Maine, offering a very different kind of experience.

“It was an amazing trip,” Carpenter said. “We took the group for a three-night stay at Adventure Bound in Caratunk, Maine. Instead of hotels, students bunked in rustic cabins, ate meals in the big hall instead of restaurants, played games, enjoyed the pool, hot-tub, hammocks, and canoes, all with no internet or cell service to distract from the activities or each other.”

It wouldn’t be an Upward Bound trip without at least one college visit, and an outing to University of Maine Farmington gave the students a chance to tour the campus and learn about its programs. But for the bulk of the trip, adventure was the theme. 

“Students spent one day on Adventure Bound’s ropes course, both the high and low sections.” 

The course’s various elements pushed students out of their comfort zones, both physically and mentally, and, most importantly, helped develop teamwork as they came together to overcome its challenges. But the ropes course was just an appetizer for the finale.

“I think for most of the kids, the highlight of their time in Maine was white water rafting on the Kennebec River,” Carpenter said. “It was a great way to end the trip. Overall, just being in a natural setting without a lot of the comforts and distractions of modern life was a real bonding experience. It gave us a chance to get everyone together without classes or social groups and just have fun.”

With summer kicked off in proper fashion, students returned to Lyndon and settled in for five weeks on campus, simulating college life—living in the dorms during the week, attending classes, and exploring what the future could look like.

“Over the course of the summer, students spent over 80 hours of academic time strengthening their skills in core subjects, with a few additional fun wrinkles.”

There were the traditional courses—Math, English—but also American Sign Language. Two weeks of “College Readiness” was included in the mix, focusing on “habits of work” skills like planning and organization and notetaking, as well standardized test preparation. In a new twist, provided by long-time LI instructor Adrienne D’Olimpio, students took three weeks of “Adulting 101,” covering topics big and small, from personal finance (including a visit from a representative from Passumpsic Bank) to how to craft and mail the perfect “thank you” card.

Perhaps the biggest new addition to this summer’s learning experience was an internship program.

“While morning was dedicated to academic time, after lunch students headed to their internships. Every student was placed in a work site.” Carpenter said students were initially a little nervous going in, but everyone quickly came around. “Students loved it! A few even said the experience led them to consider whole new career paths.”

Some spent time with early childhood care centers like ABC LOL and Little Dippers, while others worked with more adult-focused programs at places like HOPE, Umbrella, and The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center. Other internship sites included Kingdom Trails and Kingdom Canine Center.

“Overall, students logged around 60 hours of volunteer time. It was a great experience for both the kids and the organizations that hosted them.”

But residential life at Upward Bound isn’t all study and volunteer work. It is summer, after all, and kids are kids. Carpenter and Goslant built plenty of fun time into the schedule both on and off campus.

“We took students to Crystal Lake park in Barton and took a fantastic day trip to Burlington, where we visited the Echo Center and got to take in a Lake Monsters night game.”

On campus, students enjoyed a paint pouring project courtesy of Nancy Simons, while D’Olimpio organized a “Christmas in July” event, complete with Secret Santas, cookie decorating, and gifts students purchased from HOPE’s thrift store in Lyndonville. 

Mixed into the evening fun was a series of talks from several of the residential staff—“tutor counselors” Carpenter calls them—many of whom are themselves graduates of Upward Bound.

“We try to encourage our students to see that no course in life is linear and that there are many paths to college. Our ‘TC Talks’ give our counselors a chance to tell students their stories and help them understand what kind of options they have and the possible directions they can take to earning a college diploma and pursuing a career path.”

In a fun wrinkle, Carpenter and Goslant reframed this year’s presentations in a talk show format, complete with a decorated set, a show title (“Spill the TC”) and an interview format led by two cleverly named hosts—Dee Gree and Dee Ploma.

Another summer twist had students not just creating their traditional final portfolio—with the help of LI English teacher Taylore Aussiker, comprised of artifacts generated over the entire summer—but also working on their public speaking skills by presenting the portfolios on the final day to an audience comprised of fellow students, Upward Bound staff, and members of the LI community, including Head of School Brian Bloomfield, Dean of Academics Terha Steen, Dean of Students Rob Heath, and English Department Chair Magen Bias. 

“For me, this was one of the most special moments of the summer,” said Carpenter. “The audience was incredibly supportive, and it was really moving to watch each student have their moment in the spotlight and see the pride on their faces as they shared their work.”

All good things must come to an end and five weeks goes by fast, but Carpenter always makes sure that, for the students, it ends with a bang not a whimper.

“Our program ends with a high note on the last night. This year we hosted a wonderful banquet for students and staff with food provided by Smokin’ Somethin’ BBQ. After dinner, everyone—including the students’ families—gathered together, and we presented a video compilation of the summer followed by the awards.” Every student earns an award based on what they contributed to the summer’s experience—some are academic, others have to do with dorm life or activities, but each student has a part to play in making the program a special experience for everyone.  

Upward Bound’s summer program may impact students in different ways, but it leaves an impression on everyone who attends. For junior Ava Deth, her internship experience stood out. 

“I spent my afternoons at The Pines along with another student,” she said. “We set up activities for the residents, mostly games, but it was really about keeping them company and spending time with them. I really enjoyed it. The Pines even offered me a job when I finished, which was pretty amazing.”

The kickoff trip to Maine was another highlight. “The stars at night up there were incredible. And I had so many experiences I never would have gotten to have without this trip.”

But most of all, Deth appreciated the program as a whole and how its structure helped carry her over from sophomore to junior year. “Spending the summer in Upward Bound kept me busy. It kept me on a schedule. In terms of the learning, I really valued the repetition and the stability it provided.”

For other students, the social component left its most significant mark. Junior Patrick Lafleur—who returned for his second summer—said being in the program made a huge difference in his life, especially having recently experienced the loss of several close family members. 

“Getting back to Upward Bound really helped me open back up during a challenging time. I was surrounded by lots of people who didn’t allow me to lock myself away. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without them. For me, Upward Bound really is about the friendships we all make with each other and the community we build.”

Now entering the program’s fifth year in house, Lyndon Institute is applying for renewal of its five-year grant. Here’s to hoping the school can offer five more years of building skills and friendships and helping students reach their full potential as they work toward pursuing higher education.