SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College's Upward Bound Math & Science Scholars' Bowl team from Harnett County Schools won first place in the North Carolina Council of Educational Opportunity Programs Scholars' Bowl competition on Saturday, March 19, at N.C. State University.

Upward Bound Math and Science is a grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education that provides free, fundamental support to 60 Harnett County high school students in their preparation for college and careers in math and science.

Scholars' Bowl is an academic team competition among TRiO Programs, including Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science, in which teams of four are asked questions in categories such as science, math, social studies, language, arts & humanities, and current events. Contestants must buzz in to answer toss-up questions. If the answer is correct, the contestant's team has the opportunity to earn additional points by answering a bonus question.

CCCC's Upward Bound Math and Science team is comprised of seven members - senior team captain Jeremy Walker of Triton High School; junior Kayla Johnson, junior Katerina Marroquin, junior Skye Touchet, and freshman T'Nya Lee, all of Overhills High School; and freshman Megan Kane and freshman Hunter Phelps, both of Harnett Central High School.

"It was a pure joy witnessing true teamwork and collaboration transpire," said Tia Bell, CCCC's Program Coordinator of TRiO Upward Bound Math and Science. "Our superb group of seven displayed a true wealth of knowledge as questions answered ranged from impactful current event occurrences to rigorous math and science content. We are looking forward to competing in the regional division in Atlanta and representing Harnett County, the state of North Carolina, and Central Carolina Community College well."

On April 23rd, the team will represent North Carolina against other Upward Bound programs from other states in the southeast in Atlanta, Ga.

The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.

For further information on the CCCC Upward Bound Math and Science program, contact Ashley Tittemore, Executive Director of College Access Programs, at atittemore@cccc.edu or call 919-718-7463, or visit the website www.cccc.edu/ubms.