Embry-Riddle’s Upward Bound Program Celebrates Possibility and Changes Lives
When Sheryl Gillum looks out across Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Prescott campus each June, she sees more than classrooms and dorm halls—she sees possibility. As a long-time Arizonan and director of Embry-Riddle’s Upward Bound program, Sheryl has become a familiar face in the community, guiding underserved local teens toward the promise of higher education.
This summer, 34 bright students arrived at ERAU—eager to begin a six-week journey filled with academic challenges, leadership workshops and life-changing experiences.
“Many of our students are the first in their families to consider college,” Sheryl explained. “They come from homes where resources are limited, and they might not see themselves as ‘college material.’ That’s where Upward Bound steps in.”
The program provides intensive tutoring, college-credit courses in STEM-related fields, and personalized counseling on scholarships, applications, and career exploration.
But Sheryl’s vision goes beyond academics. She’s cultivated a supportive “family” atmosphere where students feel seen and heard. Study sessions often turn into impromptu storytelling circles, where teens share their dreams with trusted peers and mentors.
“This summer was all about giving students a real taste of college life,” said Sheryl. “Living on campus, diving into hands-on learning, exploring what their future could look like. It’s not just about academics—they can grow, connect, and see what’s possible.”
Daniel Sullivan (ERAU Class of 2017), now a SkyWest Airlines pilot, returned to Upward Bound last year as a guest speaker, sharing his experiences in the program and continued success after graduation.
“It’s about getting some experience with college-level thinking while also getting out of the house for a few weeks and having a lot of fun,” he said.
This year, the program culminated in an off-campus trip to New Mexico, where students immersed themselves in new cultures and landscapes—a reminder that the world is larger than one ZIP code. The experience allowed Upward Bound participants to visit two college campuses and Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial spaceport built for private spaceflight companies.
“The trip was a fantastic way for these students to grow their self-worth and independence, a key goal of our program,” Sheryl said.
For Sheryl, every success story is a testament to what can happen when a local leader champions her own backyard.
The impact of Upward Bound continues to ripple through Prescott’s community. Under Sheryl’s leadership, local students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education are gaining the tools, confidence, and support they need to find their voices.
“I love Prescott,” she said. “These kids are our future. If we invest in them, they can lift our whole community.”
To learn more about Upward Bound, visit https://prescott.erau.edu/degrees/upward-bound.