Upward Bound
Supporting low-income, first-generation college students
The goal of Upward Bound, a federally funded program that is part of the U.S. Department of Education's Federal TRIO Programs, is to "increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education." This competition funds programs that serve low-income high school students who will be first-generation college-goers. Upward Bound programs throughout the country serve students in their local areas.
For more information about starting or working with an Upward Bound program in your area, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/trioupbound/index.html.
Since 1999, the College Board, in partnership with the Catholic University of America and the District of Columbia Public School System, has successfully implemented the College Board Upward Bound Program in Washington, D.C.
Under the most recent funding, the College Board Upward Bound Program can provide 96 students each year with academic support and enrichment opportunities. The College Board Upward Bound Program serves qualifying students in grades 9-12 from three high schools in the District of Columbia Public School. Participating students attend Academic Saturday Academies, Weekly Tutoring, Cultural Enrichment, a one-week summer work study/career exploration program, a one-week Summer Institute, and a four-week residential program on a university campus.
An Individualized Prescriptive Educational Plan is developed for each student; and parent workshops are an integral part of the program. Parents receive assistance in how to get financial assistance and scholarships for their child's college education and are supported throughout this process. As an incentive for their work, students receive a monthly stipend for their participation in the program.