Email: [email protected]

Physical Address
1405 South College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80523

Mailing Address
8200 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-8200

Lucia V. Delgado – Director of the Access Center
[email protected]
(970) 491-0660

In my role as the Director of the Access Center at Colorado State University, I believe and advocate for Educational Equity and Equality for first-generation and limited-income individuals.  I value the richness of each person and am honored to serve as a mentor to students at various levels of their educational journey. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University in Journalism and Political Science and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) from CSU.  A proud mother of two amazing and independent young girls, they remind me daily to laugh out loud, appreciate the beauty in every day, and that life is best enjoyed when experienced with those we love.

Amelia “Meli” Castaneda – Upward Bound Math/Science Assistant Director

[email protected]
970-694-0268

Bio Coming Soon!

Sandra Castaneda – College Bound Advisor (Paraprofessional)

[email protected]
970-433-9026

Bio Coming Soon!

Elsy Fernandez – Upward Bound Math/Science Advisor

[email protected]
970-331-4741

Bio Coming Soon!

Joel Hafnor – Upward Bound Advisor

[email protected]
970-491-2169

I discovered Upward Bound in 2020 while seeking meaningful ways to engage during the pandemic. That summer, I joined as an instructor, helping to navigate the challenges of the program’s first-ever online format. Despite the hurdles, I quickly recognized the program’s supportive and well-organized educational culture. My background includes several years of teaching in both high school and middle school settings, including a year overseas in East Asia. These experiences deepened my commitment to youth development and highlighted the disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. Upward Bound’s mission to empower underserved youth resonates deeply with me, and I am excited to contribute to this impactful work in my new role.

Sean Jaster – Director of Upward Bound Programs

[email protected]
970-491-2169

I am a proud product of the Denver Public School system and an alumnus of Colorado State University.  After serving as a full-time volunteer for the Americorps: National Civilian Community Corps in the northeastern United States, I returned to CSU and began working full-time coordinating volunteer efforts for the university.  One year later I was given the awesome opportunity to serve as an advisor with the Upward Bound program and I haven’t looked back since.  One thing I love about Upward Bound at Colorado State is the strong sense of community we cultivate.  Our students, staff, and community members feel like they matter, and that feeling has become the foundation of our program.

Karla Lerma Banda – Upward Bound Assistant Director

[email protected]
970-491-2169

“Me hablas todos los días para saber que estas bien.” These were the words my mom told me before my family started their drive back to Fort Lupton from CSU. The beginning of a brand new journey that would forever change not only my life but also my family’s. I am the oldest of four children. Since middle school, I knew I wanted to go to college. I did not know which one or how to do it, but it was going to happen. I joined Upward Bound in the fall of 2007 after being talked into it by my best friend. From then on, I was challenged to push myself in every way imaginable. Most importantly, I found my academic family. I graduated from CSU in the spring of 2014 with a Bachelors of Social Work and Spanish. I always wanted to come back to work as an advisor for Upward Bound. I had to take a couple of detours but, I am excited to be an Advisor for this amazing program that changed my life.

Fun Facts: I have been to Chile, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, I love the color pink and the Power Rangers!

Mariana Martin-Mendoza – Upward Bound Advisor

[email protected]
720-755-1429

“Para que veas que mejor deberias estudiar.” This was a constant reminder from both my parents to pursue a post-secondary education after they always got home from their long shifts. Going to college was never out of the question for my parents and always encouraged me to work hard for a better life in the US. Being the oldest of four, the thought of college was intimidating, and I felt as if I was lost in limbo. During my senior year of high school, my DSF advisor (shout out Danté Bills) helped me out tremendously in finding my way to Colorado State University. Feeling lost my first year on campus, Key communities and my ethnic studies professor Eric Ishiwata played a large part in helping me define why a college education is important to me , not just my parents. Finally, after 4 short years, I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work, minoring in both legal studies and ethnic studies in May of 2023! I While I never got the opportunity to participate in TRIO programs in high school, I now get the privilege to work with TRIO programs as a Upward Bound advisor. I am so excited to get to work with other first-gen students and support them in reaching their post-secondary education goals!

A little bit more about me: I am from Denver, so I’m super excited in getting to work with students in the DPS system! On my free time I enjoy going to concerts with my sister, getting sweet little treats with my silly little friends, playing Minecraft, and doing LITERALLY anything outside (just like any basic Coloradan)! Oh and I’m scared of birds….

Mic drop.

Gerardo Millan – Upward Bound Advisor

[email protected]
970-491-2169

Bio coming soon!

Susana Ruvalcaba – Upward Bound Assistant Director
[email protected]
970-491-3586

“Upward Bound worked for me, so now I work for Upward Bound”. I became part of the Upward Bound Family in 2010 as a student at Poudre High School in Fort Collins and since then it has been a journey. I was born in Fairfax, Virginia, but raised in good old Fort Collins. I attended Colorado State University after realizing I did not want to leave home but compensated by doing a lot of traveling. During my time at CSU, I worked with Upward Bound 77 for two summers as a Tutor Counselor. I then went on to become their intern. I received my Bachelors in Social Work and Minor in Criminology. After graduation, I worked as a Case Manager at Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development in Fort Collins. I did one-on-one work with youth struggling with behavior and mental health. Soon after I transitioned into an Education Specialist and traveled the Northern Colorado area hosting workshops and presentations on Marijuana education. As an advisor for the Upward Bound 17 program, I love spending time and seeing the passion in our students. I have been so fortunate to share my journey and give back to a program that did so much for me and continues to do so.