About Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a year-round program for motivated high-school students with academic potential who want to continue their education after high school. It assists students whose talents and skills might otherwise be lost.

There is no cost to participate. In fact, the program offers a monthly allowance to each of the students who are involved.

Upward Bound provides many services such as academic tutoring, peer-mentoring, counseling, assistance in obtaining financial aid, on-campus summer programs, field trips, cultural enrichment opportunities and ACT/SAT preparation.

Activities and Services

Upward Bound participants will receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, foreign language and science. Student services will be provided by program tutors at respective high schools weekly during the school year. Similar services will be provided at Sul Ross one Saturday per month and during the summer component.

During the School Year

During the school year, students will meet weekly with a tutor, mentor and counselor. These individual sessions are based on the individual needs of each student. In determining their needs, the counselors will evaluate the students on:

• academics
• guidance
• selecting a college
• scholarship searches
• career exploration.

During the Summer

Upward Bound students will live in the residence halls at Sul Ross State University for five weeks. At the end of the summer program students will participate in an end-of-year trip. All students take classes that emphasize skills needed for success in college. Also, elective classes, recreation, field trips, and career exploration will be offered.

Ongoing Activities

Cultural enrichment, recreation, and group activities are designed to promote interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all people. Some of the activities will include picnics, field trips, sports, tours and other student organized activities. The activities are scheduled to meet the needs of the students and are designed to serve as reinforcements of various student academic, social and cultural interests.

TRIO

Congress established the TRIO programs in 1965 to help low-income Americans enter post secondary education, graduate, and participate more fully in America’s economic and social life.

TRIO programs, such as Upward Bound, target high-risk students: students whose parents have never completed a four-year college program (referred to as first-generation) and/or students who meet federal financial guidelines. These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education through grants provided to institutions or agencies having the facilities and expenses to deliver prescribed services.