Higher Education Consortium
Upward Bound Program
St. Louis Community College
William J. Harrison Education Center
3140 Cass Avenue
St. Louis, Mo 63106
Upward Bound is a college preparatory academy which provides high school students the opportunity to acquire the academic skills and personal motivation necessary to finish high school, enter and earn a degree from a college or university. The students and parents selected for HEC Upward Bound must have the desire, determination and commitment to participate in all activities and training.
The mission of The Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis (HEC) is to enhance students’ access and achievement in higher education. HEC Upward Bound is designed to help students improve their academic performance and prepare them to enroll and graduate from a college or university of their choice. HEC Upward Bound is housed in the William J. Harrison Center at St. Louis Community College.
Program Requirements
HEC Upward Bound is a federal funded educational program. The Federal Government sets the guidelines for edibility. To be eligible for Upward Bound, a student must meet U.S. Department of Education taxable income guidelines.
Federal Income Guidelines
Size of Family Unit |
48 Contiguous States, D.C. |
1 |
$20,385 |
2 |
$27,465 |
3 |
$34,545 |
4 |
$41,625 |
5 |
$48,705 |
6 |
$55,785 |
7 |
$62,865 |
8 |
$69,945 |
Additionally, HEC Upward Bound students must meet the following requirements:
- Be first generation college bound (neither parent living in home has four year degree)
- Be taking a college prep curriculum
- Have a 2.5 G.P.A in high school
- Display potential to succeed at the postsecondary level
- Attend a SLPS target school or live in the surrounding area
- Participants should participate in all services and activities
Benefits of being an Upward Bound student
The Academic Component begins in October and runs to May. Students take classes that will provide additional academic support and development on two Saturdays of each month at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. Students receive tutoring, ACT/SAT preparation, personal and career guidance, assistance with financial aid and college admissions process.
The Summer Component is a six-week educational program. Students attend academic classes on the campus of St. Louis Community College- Forest Park and participate in fine arts, recreational, ad cultural activities. The summer concludes each year with a college tour where student’s travel to selected cities’ to get information, tour campuses, interact with college students and gain a better understanding about college life.