The Upward Bound students took a three-hour river cruise on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Va., on the Carrie B, a 19th century style Mississippi riverboat. They also visited Nauticus, a science and technology center on the waterfront in Norfolk. While at the center, students participated in a special hands-on program on the weather. They were also involved with many interactive exhibits including various touch pools that included the chance to touch a shark. They also toured the U. S. S. Wisconsin, moored next to the center, one of the largest battleships in the world.

A visit to the Virginia Air and Space Center gave students many opportunities to experience various flight simulations including the chance to “pilot” a passenger plane, try air-traffic controlling, and piloting a space shuttle.

The Virginia Marine Science Museum provided several unique experiences including a cruise on the museum’s pontoon boat through Owls Creek Salt Marsh. The museum offered many hands-on exhibits and huge aquariums to walk through. Students hiked the informative nature trail through the marshes and had a chance to see river otters playing and performing. An aviary with many kinds of indigenous birds completed the visit to the museum.

In addition to Old Dominion University the students toured Salisbury University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Upward Bound is a national, federally funded pre-college program. FSU’s Upward Bound program serves 60 Allegany County students who attend area high schools. The program has both a summer and academic year component.