When faced with an opportunity, would you take it?

Science Bound is a pre-college program for students in Des Moines and Marshalltown, Iowa, wanting to pursue ASTEM degrees at Iowa State University. The ISU Commitment gives seventh grade and up students an opportunity to receive financial support, including scholarships, if attending college in the future.

Karen Granados, senior at North High School, was inducted her freshman year. “All students are required to present an oral report on why they deserve to be in science bound,” she explained.

Science Bound high school participants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, participate in 75 percent of the program’s activities, and in summer academic programs.

Abby Espinoza, a junior at North High School, was elected by her teacher in middle school due to her awards, achievements and creativity in relation to science. Espinoza has achieved many awards throughout her middle and high school years. Her ideas have help lessen the pollution we produced in our everyday lives. For future Science Bound students she leaves these words “dream without limits”.

Science Bound has offered scholarships to an estimate of 200 program graduates, up to 40 and more Science Bound graduates were on the ISU campus in Fall 2011.

Mrs. Shannon Powers, AP teacher at NHS and one of the four leaders for Science Bound, work with the seniors and discuss colleges, preparation and what to do to be successful. Powers recently started getting involved this year and admiring “being surrounded by people who value their education and enjoy being surrounded by people who feel the same way,” she said with a smile on her face.