ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú

The U.S. Department of Education and ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú fund the Upward Bound Program. There is no cost to a student’s family to apply or to receive services as an enrolled student. This includes summer housing, meals, instruction, tutoring, and program-sponsored activities.

Each year, approximately 75 students are selected to participate in Upward Bound after the application process is complete. If spaces remain available two weeks after selections are made, students on the waiting list may be invited to participate or invited to apply for the summer program.

Students and families commit to participating in Upward Bound during the school year and summer, maintaining open communication with program staff, and working together to support the student’s success.

Once selected, students and families review and sign a partnership agreement outlining their responsibilities and the program’s commitments to each student.

Yes. Students must participate in both the academic-year and summer programs. School-year commitments include Saturday classes, tutoring, and advising appointments.

Program dates for both the academic year and summer residential component are shared with applicants and selected students well in advance, so families can plan accordingly. The dates are published on this website, included in recruitment materials, and shared directly with students and families.

The ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú Upward Bound Program offers a six-week summer academic and residential program for eligible students who have not yet graduated from high school. Students live and study on campus from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, experiencing college life in a supportive learning community.

Students may not leave campus for work or family visits. If an off-campus activity is scheduled, students travel together by program-arranged transportation and are supervised by Upward Bound staff at all times.

Upward Bound provides individualized, long-term support from high school through college and beyond. Through one-on-one guidance and small-group support, advisors and faculty help students strengthen academic skills, support personal growth, and prepare students for college.

Students receive academic instruction and tutoring based on their needs, as well as opportunities to build leadership skills and explore new experiences that broaden their perspectives. Alumni serve as role models and lead learning activities, while strong college and university partnerships help graduates transition successfully to higher education.

Students who successfully complete the program may receive recognition in the high school transcript. The type of recognition varies by school: most target high schools add a notation to the transcript, while one school may award elective or summer credit. A select number of Upward Bound rising seniors are selected to take credit-bearing college courses at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú.

Yes. Upward Bound creates an official program transcript for each student. This transcript can be sent to the colleges and scholarship organizations to which a student applies.

In addition, faculty provide more detailed written evaluations of each student’s progress. These evaluations are shared with students regularly and used to support their academic growth and college planning.

Transportation is provided only for scheduled program activities, such as group trips to museums, college tours, or other off-campus events during the school year or summer program.

For all other travel, including daily transportation to and from campus, families are responsible for arranging their student’s transportation.

No. Upward Bound does not pay college tuition, but it provides financial aid guidance to help students and families understand their options and complete federal, state, and institutional aid applications. The program also shares scholarship opportunities, including the Upward Bound Alumni Scholarship, and provides fee waivers when appropriate.

No. Upward Bound students are not required to enroll at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú after high school. Our advisors work with students and families to explore a range of colleges and universities that offer the academic programs, support services, and financial aid needed for a successful college experience. ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú may be one of the options students consider.

No. While Upward Bound students who are recommended by program staff receive special consideration during the admissions process, admission to ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú is not guaranteed.