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Mission

The Upward Bound Program (UB) at °®¶¹´«Ã½ is one of TRIO's college access and preparation programs funded by the United States Department of Education.  Upward Bound is an academic program that helps low-income and first-generation students achieve academic success in high school and prepares them for continued success in the college of their choice.  UB provides academic, career, financial, and personal advising and resources to program scholars in participating local high schools.

Purpose

Upward Bound is an academic program that intends to motivate participants to achieve a high level of academic success through high school and into college.  We provide scholars with a safe and positive environment that is conducive to learning as well as an opportunity for personal development and social growth.

We believe that scholar academic, social and personal development is enhanced through a focus on strengths-based learning, a sense of belonging, and encouragement.  The program promotes the ideals of inclusion, mutual respect and cultural awareness.

Services

During the academic year, Upward Bound Academic Counselors visit each participating high school weekly. They meet with students, guidance counselors and teachers. The Academic Counselors follow each Scholar's academic and personal progress, offering guidance, attention and support.

In addition, Upward Bound provides the following:

• Arranging and facilitating in-person and virtual university and college visits
• Tutoring
• Assistance preparing for SAT and ACT exams
• Presentations and workshops about planning for college, what to consider in choosing a college, and Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits (many programs will be virtual through Spring 2022)
• Help developing problem-solving skills and participation in team-building activities
• Assistance completing college admissions applications and financial aid forms
• Scholarship information
• Community engagement opportunities
• Trips to cultural events
• Summer residential program

Who We Serve

Upward Bound annually serves over 160 low income, first generation high school students at the following participating high-schools:

History of Upward Bound

Upward Bound, the oldest TRIO Program, was initially authorized in 1965 after the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty." During President Johnson's administration, civil rights organizer and national education policy advisor, Stan Salett initiated the Upward Bound Program. Later, Upward Bound was moved to be included under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Upward Bound Programs are implemented and monitored by the Department of Education.

Currently, according to the Council for Opportunity in Education, more than 70,000 students are being served by 956 Upward Bound projects.  Further, the U.S. Department of Education found that 86% of Upward Bound students in the 2013-14 high school graduation cohort enrolled in college following high school graduation.