Upward Bound students from high schools throughout Acadiana visited the facilities at CEET and met with graduate and undergraduate students from the math and biology departments. The high school students explored the greenhouse and shadehouse structures, and learned the intricate details necessary to conduct sound ecological and environmental experiments. They also viewed other experimental setups in the garden area of the property. A tour of the main building and a lecture on the history of the property followed. In addition, two graduate students from UL (Sharmila Pathikonda and Karen Wiens) discussed their research projects with the students. A short question and answer period followed each graduate student presentation.

The Upward Bound Program is a precollege preparatory program designed to generate the necessary academic skills and motivation a student needs to be successful in a college program. Participation in the program allows students to enhance their abilities in order to achieve their full academic potential. The program is made of two components. The first portion of the Upward Bound Program is held during the school year and consists of weekly meetings held at each school to help students with their current classwork. However, the second portion (summer session), is the most exciting part of the Upward Bound Program. Students live on the UL Lafayette campus for a seven-week intensive academic program centering on English, Science, Math, Reading and Physical Education. Students observe and experience many events and write about them in an attempt to broaden their horizons and gain a prospective understanding of life in today's society.