Upward Bound Academy

Upward Bound is a nationwide federally funded, college preparatory program for high school students who are prospective first generation and/or Pell grant eligible. 

Achieve Greatness

If high school students have the dream of enrolling in college after high school and becoming a college graduate, the Upward Bound Academy Program is for them. Success is a combination of big dreams, hard work and the right tools. High school students supply the vision and determination, then at Upward Bound Academy, they get the tools they need. The ultimate goal is to produce transformative adults who actively pursue and obtain professional careers and make their marks on the world. 

KCKCC, in partnership with Washington and F.L. Schlagle high schools, has been awarded the Upward Bound (UB) Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This important grant was designed to provide students with academic, cultural and social activities intended to build skills, motivation and self-confidence. Thus, program participants gain the skills and motivation necessary to successfully complete high school and to enter and succeed in a program of postsecondary education at the college or university of their choice.

Upward Bound Application

Students must complete an application to qualify for the program. The application includes personal identification information, one recommendation and income eligibility verification information.

Please note that Social Security number is required and is used for yearly reporting purposes to the federal government and in college applications.

Apply for Upward Bound Now

 

Services

To ensure academic progress, Upward Bound Academy provides the following services to students:

• Nine months of academic tutorial service and academic enrichment classes
• Six-week summer non-residential program
• Assistance with the completion of ACT, financial aid and college applications
• Monthly Saturday workshops and classroom instruction
• College tours in and out of the state
• Cultural enrichment field trips
• Exposure to a variety of career fields
• College application assistance for high school seniors
• Service-learning and volunteer opportunities
• Mentoring
• Counseling
• Career planning
• Speakers
• Community service opportunities
• Stipends
  
  

Qualifications

To participate in Upward Bound students must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
• Attend Washington or F.L. Schlagle High School
• Meet low-income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Education and/or
• Be the first in your family to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree (neither parent/guardian has received a bachelor’s degree)
  
  

Cost

This program is free! Upward Bound was created in 1965 as part of the Higher Education Act and is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education.