Jackson State University-Survivors-UB-Application Form
  • Survivors Upward Bound Program

    Student Application
  • Dear Applicant:

    Thank you for your interest in the Jackson State University Survivors Upward Bound Program. Upward Bound is a free college preparatory program for high school students funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored locally by Jackson State University. Upward Bound is designed to provide participants the skills and motivation necessary to navigate and complete a program of secondary education and to enter and succeed in a program of post-secondary education.

    Upward Bound is a year-round program. The program provides tutorial services, classes, and special events during the school year to strengthen academic skills and prepare students for success at the college level. The program also provides academic advising and individual assistance with the college admissions and financial aid application process during the academic school year. Our six-week summer instructional component is designed to simulate a college-going experience that includes daily coursework in math, laboratory science, composition, literature, foreign language as well as cultural, social, and recreational events and activities.

    Eligibility to participate in the program is determined individually. Each applicant must meet basic eligibility requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, that require neither parent to have a four-year college degree and family income verification. Our program services 60 students from Forest Hill High School and the target area. Therefore, it is important that you complete your application as soon as possible. When space is not available, an application will be placed on our waitlist for later consideration.

    All completed applications will be reviewed and eligible applicants contacted for a student and parent interview with program staff.

    Thank you for your interest in the JSU Survivors Upward Bound Program. Please call a staff member at (601) 979- 3139 if you have any questions or need assistance.

    Sincerely

    LaWanda Smith, Director

  • Who is Eligible to Participate in the Program?

    ❖ Are currently enrolled at Forest Hill High School
    ❖ At least 13 years of age but not older than 19 and completed the 8th grade
    ❖ U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    ❖ First-Generation (a student whose parent did not complete a 4-year college or university degree)
    ❖ Meet the low-income requirements as defined by the Federal Government
    ❖ An individual who has a high risk for academic failure

    Free Services Offered by the Upward Bound Program

    Preparation of Educational Plans
    Academic Advisement
    Career Exploration
    Information on Post-Secondary Education
    Financial Aid (FAFSA) Assistance
    American College Test (ACT) Prep
    Tutoring
    College Campus Tours
    Cultural Enrichment Activities
    Six-Week Summer Camp Program

    Jackson State University Survivors Upward Bound Staff:

    LaWanda Smith, Director
    Office: 601-979-3139
    Email: lawanda.y.smith@jsums.edu

    Erica Tobias, Administrative Manager
    Office: 601-979-0225
    Email: erica.d.tobias@jsums.edu

    Monica Dickerson, Campus Coordinator (Forest Hill)
    Alexis Taylor, Campus Coordinator (Forest Hill)

  • Instructions for completing this form:

    1. Read each question carefully and complete all sections by writing in black or blue ink or typing on the computer.
    2. If you fail to answer all necessary questions and/or omit signatures, your application will be returned to you for completion.
    3. Students cannot participate in program activities until all application materials are complete and returned to the address above.
    4. If you are under the age of 19, you and your parent or guardian must sign all application materials.

    ***The information you provide on this application will be secure and confidential***

  • Contact Information:

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  • Parent/Guardian Information:

  • First Generation Eligibility Verification (Completed by Parent/Guardian)

     

    Highest Level of Education Completed by:

  • FIRST-GENERATION CERTICATION STATEMENT - Completing this form, which will serve as a statement of educational attainment, you are certifying that the information submitted regarding parent/guardian educational attainment is true to the best of your knowledge.

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  • Income Verification Information

    As a federally funded free program for students, Upward Bound is required to verify income levels.

  • Family taxable Income Verification: Please check the income range which reflects the taxable income reported on your family’s 2024 Income Tax Return. Please check an income range even if you were not required to file. If you have not filed taxes yet. Please estimate your taxable income.

    Taxable Income Location 1040—Line 10

  • INCOME CERTIFICATION STATEMENT - By completing this form, which will serve as a statement of income, you are certifying that the information submitted regarding the family size and taxable income is true to the best of your knowledge.

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  • Academic Need Assessment

  • School Record Release, Waiver to Provide Services, and Post-High School Tracking Release

    By signing here, I understand that as a part of the Jackson State University Survivors Upward Bound Program selection process, my child’s school records including transcripts, progress reports, standardized test scores, attendance records, disciplinary actions, evaluations, and medical records will be examined. I also understand that if my child is selected for the Jackson State University Survivors Upward Bound Program, the Upward Bound Program will continue to require this information from my child’s high school and college. This information is necessary to track the performance of the Program’s participants and graduates. I hereby give permission for Jackson State University Survivors Upward Bound Program to request the above information from my child’s high school and future colleges that he/she may attend.

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  • Certification of Application and Information Release

    I (We) certify that the information provided on the application is true and correct to the best of my (our) knowledge; I (We) further understand that the completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the JSU Survivors Upward Bound Program. I (We) also authorize the use of my (our) image and name in JSU Survivors Upward Bound publications, editorials, advertisements, and media releases to the program and its affiliates organizations. My (Our) consent will remain in effect until I (We) revoke this authorization, in writing, with the JSU Survivors Upward Bound office.

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  • Applicant Essays

    Both essays must be completed by the student with a minimum of five (5) sentences.

    • Submit 
    • Should be Empty: