Upward Bound

Upward Bound Purpose

The U of A Rich Mountain Upward Bound Classic (UBCL) and Upward Bound Math/Science (UBMS) programs provide fundamental support to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors preparing for higher education. Upward Bound provides opportunities for participants who are low-income and potential first-generation college students. UBMS differs from UBCL in that students in the UBMS program are provided the opportunity to concentrate on careers and majors in math and science. 

Who is Eligible for Services?

To receive free services, a student must:

• Show a strong interest in preparing for and attending college
• Be enrolled in a public school in Montgomery, Polk, or Scott county
• Meet qualification guidelines
• Show a willingness to commit to the program

Funding

Upward Bound is 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education for eligible high school students who aspire toward higher education.  Upward Bound is part of the TRIO family of federally funded programs. 

The Power of Upward Bound

Research shows that overall, more than eighty percent (80%) of Upward Bound graduates enter institutions of higher learning. These graduates are more than twice as likely to enroll in post-secondary education as students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in an Upward Bound Program. Six years after high school graduation, Upward Bound students were four times as likely to earn a college degree as students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in an Upward Bound Program. Given these results, it is evident that Upward Bound participation is positively related to immediate entry into post-secondary (college) education and completion of an undergraduate (college) degree.

UBCL is funded to serve 77 students in grades 9-12 in the public schools of Polk, Scott, and Montgomery counties.
2022-23 budget:  $404,000; 100% funded through federal TRIO funds.  UBMS is funded to serve 60 students in grades 9-12 in the public schools of Polk, Scott, and Montgomery counties.  2022-23 budget: $297,601; 100% funded through federal TRIO funds.