Dear Parent/Guardian:
Your child has indicated an interest and/or has been nominated to apply for selection to the Upward Bound (UB) Program at Austin Community College. Upward Bound (UB) Program is a free college preparatory program for high school students funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored locally by Austin Community College. UB is specifically designed to strengthen the math, science, English and foreign language skills of eligible high school students to excel academically and pursue postsecondary degree.
Year-round services provided by the UB Program of Austin Community College include:
- Instruction in math, science, English and foreign language, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field sites;
- A 6-week summer instructional component that is designed to simulate a college-going experience that includes daily coursework in math, science, English and foreign language as well as other related activities such as field trips and special events;
- Activities that involve participants with opportunities to learn from professionals who are engaged in research on campus, or who are engaged in research or applied science at hospitals, governmental laboratories, or other public and private agencies;
- Academic advising from UB staff and individual assistance with the college admissions and financial aid application process.
After school tutoring and Academic Saturdays during the school year will take place at target high school as well as the six-week instructional session (Summer Component) that takes place during the summer at the Riverside campus. Please note that selected students and their parents must commit to remain active in the UB Program year-round (12 months) for a minimum of 3-4 years or until high school graduation.
In order to comply with federal regulations, all UB participants must meet the following criteria:
- Indicate an interest in attending college;
- Demonstrate academic need (low grades and/or low test scores);
- Qualify as Low Income and/or Potential First Generation College Student (neither parent has received a 4-year college degree);
- Commit to remain active in UB until high school graduation
Please complete this application and return with your child’s Student Application to the address or fax number listed above. You may also return your completed application to your child’s school counselor. All completed applications will be reviewed and eligible applicants will be contacted for a Student & Parent Interview with program staff.
Thank you for your interest in the Upward Bound Program at Austin Community College. Please call a UB staff member at 512-223-1464 if you have any questions or need additional assistance.
Sincerely,
Upward Bound Program Staff