What is Upward Bound?

TRiO Upward Bound is a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Education that provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately, in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and high school students who have a high risk for academic failure. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Program Services

Services Include:

• Instruction in Mathematics, Science, Foreign language, Composition, and Literature
• Academic tutoring
• Advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection
• Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications
• Information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships
• Assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students' parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education
• Mentoring programs
• Information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the youth
• Work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree
• On-campus residential programs
• Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth
• Programs and activities that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youth, participants in or who are aging out of foster care, or other disconnected participants
• Guidance on and assistance in entry into postsecondary education