The summer component is one of the most important elements of an Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science program. During this period, students participate in intensive academic instruction, enrichment activities, and college preparation experiences designed to strengthen their readiness for postsecondary education.

Designing an effective summer component requires careful planning. Programs must balance academic rigor, STEM enrichment, college exploration, and supportive services while creating an engaging experience that keeps students motivated and connected to their educational goals.

This free webinar will explore practical strategies for designing strong UB and UBMS summer components while highlighting curriculum resources and program models that can help projects strengthen their summer programming.

Webinar participants will learn about:

• Strategies for structuring effective UB and UBMS summer components

• Approaches for strengthening academic rigor and summer instruction

• Ideas for incorporating STEM enrichment and laboratory-style learning experiences

• Activities that promote college exploration, financial literacy, and career awareness

• Supportive services and social-emotional learning activities (CPP)

This session is designed for UB and UBMS directors, coordinators, and staff who are currently planning or refining their summer programming.

Representatives from Cambridge Educational Services, Woven Learning & Technology, and PreDegree will share examples of curriculum resources and programming approaches that can help projects design meaningful and engaging summer experiences for their students.

Presenters

Elizabeth "Lisa" Retamozo

NOSOTROS Education Center

Founder & CEO

Lisa has more than 30 years of experience implementing, managing, supervising, and evaluating federal (TRIO) and state-funded educational and career opportunity programs serving low-income and potential first-generation college students.

In 2003, Lisa started her own consulting company, NOSOTROS Education Center. Since then, Lisa and the NEC team have provided TRIO Projects nationwide with short/long-term technical assistance, new project implementation, project evaluation; assistance with annual performance reporting, database customization/training; compliance assessments, in-service training, and professional development seminars; development of policies and procedures manuals, proposal writing, and technical review services.

Lisa received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her Masters in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University.

Luis Perez, Jr.

PreDegree

Founder & CEO

Luis is a former Talent Search and Upward Bound Director who is passionate about helping TRIO programs better prepare students for college success. While working in TRIO, he often found himself piecing together resources to create engaging curriculum, which inspired the creation of PreDegree. Earlier in his career, Luis taught middle school Language Arts in a small town near where he was raised, where he developed a strong commitment to supporting low-income and first-generation students.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and his Master’s degree in School Counseling from Lamar University. Today, he is proud to see PreDegree supporting TRIO directors and reaching tens of thousands of students across the country.directors) throughout the country.

Linda Walls

Cambridge Educational Services

Academic Solutions Advisor

Linda Walls is a first-generation college graduate and a dedicated advocate for student success, particularly for underserved and first-generation populations. Raised in Skidmore, Texas, she credits her academic journey to the support of the Coastal Bend College Upward Bound Program, which helped shape her lifelong commitment to education and college readiness.

Linda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a bilingual and ESL teaching certification from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a Master’s degree in Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She retired from public education in 2019 after 32 years of service, where she served as a classroom teacher, department head, and District Science and Math Facilitator. Her excellence in the classroom was recognized through Teacher of the Year honors in both Beeville ISD and Harlandale ISD.

Throughout her career, Linda has remained deeply connected to TRIO programs, serving as both an instructor and coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at Coastal Bend College. Today, she continues her work supporting students as a Barnhart Mentor of College Readiness and as Director of Academic Solutions with Cambridge Educational Services, where she partners with districts and TRIO programs across Texas to strengthen college readiness, testing success, and student outcomes.

Linda brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her work. As someone whose life was transformed by Upward Bound, she is committed to ensuring today’s students have access to the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. Her personal motto reflects this mission: “Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Chris Scott

Woven Learning & Technology

Executive Director

Chris Scott is a dedicated educator and organizational leader with a career defined by bridging the gap between traditional instruction and future-ready skills. As the founder of Woven Learning, he specializes in designing custom STEM workshops that transform complex concepts into hands-on experiences. By prioritizing curiosity and creativity, Chris helps students move beyond rote learning to become active builders and problem-solvers.

A former middle school teacher, Chris is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership and Change at California Coast University. His research and practice are centered on creating sustainable, inclusive educational environments where learners feel empowered to explore.

At the heart of his work is a commitment to fostering inclusivity, curiosity and resilience in the next generation of learners—principles he carries from the workshop to his own life as a lifelong builder, diver, and explorer.

Can’t make it to the live webinar? No problem! Register to receive the recording after the live event.