INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS (KEEP FOR YOUR REFERENCE)
What is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is one of six Federal TRIO Programs developed in 1965 during the Johnson administration's “War on Poverty.” All TRIO Programs are designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, supplementing their existing education and preparing them for academic success at all educational levels. Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
CUUB's Mission Statement:
The unique mission of the CUUB program, beyond that of a typical Upward Bound program, is threefold:
- Challenge students to embrace the rigors of critical thinking and attaining content-confidence throughout the academic year and also during the summer, in a college environment that is both geographically and culturally distant from their reservation communities;
- Protect the cultural identities of its students through an emphasis on cultural knowledge and empowerment in the classroom;
- Connect students with real-world indigenous issues and networks to demonstrate what is at stake and what is possible for them beyond the classroom.
Who can participate?
You are eligible to apply to Upward Bound if you are:
- currently a freshman, sophomore, or junior in one of our target schools
- from a family whose taxable income does not exceed the limits set forth by federal regulations governing the program, or if neither parent has earned a four-year degree (Bachelor's degree).
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent U.S. Resident
- has academic potential but needs further development in academics, study skills or college exposure.
How does Upward Bound work?
During the school year, Upward Bound provides:
- Regular academic, personal, and college-prep advising for students virtually via Zoom, Google Classroom, Email, and Phone to help students set and reach their goals.
- Virtual guest speakers on FAFSA, applying to college, postsecondary advice, career paths, etc.
- Community building activities and opportunities to meet students from different high schools.
- Educational and cultural events to enrich student's experience and knowledge A stipend for participation in Upward Bound.
During the summer program, Upward Bound provides:
- A six-week intensive, academic, residential program on CU Boulder's campus; cohort based instruction through classes in math, literature, composition, laboratory science, foreign language, and college preparation.
- Access to recreational, cultural, and personal enrichment activities such as college tours and campus visits
- A stipend for full effort and participation in the program