Upward Bound at Occidental College is staffed by four college access advocates and hires College Advisor Aides during the Academic Year.
Director, Upward Bound
Oswaldo Lopez Jr. serves as the Project Director of the Upward Bound Program at Occidental College, where he leads initiatives aimed at empowering high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue and succeed in higher education.
A native of Montecito Heights in Northeast Los Angeles...
Associate Director, Upward Bound
Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Horacio arrived at Oxy in Spring 2009. In high school, he was a participant in the Upward Bound program at Occidental College. An Oxy graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and World Affairs. After Occidental, he worked for Partners in School...
Assistant Director, Upward Bound
Xochitl Garcia (she/her) is the Assistant Director of the Upward Bound program, where she helps guide young minds as they navigate their path to college. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, with much time in the Northeast Los Angeles area. and has been part of the OXY Upward Bound family...
Program Services Coordinator, Upward Bound
Michelle Hernandez (she/her) was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Education. Michelle is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling with an academic and clinical...