Upward Bound Services

Participants have access to in-school tutors as well as 24/7 access to tutor.com. Any student earning a “C” or below must attend weekly tutoring until the grade reaches a “B” or above.

Students meet in a classroom at their high school once a week with an Upward Bound Representative to enhance skills associated with college life outside the classroom. Sessions will focus on financial literacy, study skills, learning styles, time management, stress management, interest and abilities inventories, and college life. These sessions are an hour of exciting and interactive activities that differ from a typical classroom setting.

Academic advising is one of the significant components of Upward Bound at the University of Arkansas – Rich Mountain. Students participate in a systematic career and college-planning program designed to assist them in exploring career options and preparing for college. Discussions include the college admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, and degree programs. Upward Bound Representatives include this material in their weekly session curriculum.

Students participate in up to twelve Saturdays during the academic year. The Saturday sessions are approximately eight hours in duration. Sessions include motivational speakers, leadership and teambuilding workshops, career exploration, and life skills. In addition, students will be exposed to college life, different cultures, science, and engineering by attending campuses, museums, plays, and national parks on various trips. Students will also have the opportunity to gain community service hours, which will increase some scholarship opportunities. Saturday Academies are designed to enhance students' ability to interact and build relationships with students from seven schools in our surrounding area. This will help limit the culture shock often experienced as a college freshman.

ACT scores are very important and can create great opportunities for students. Upward Bound provides ACT prep at no cost to the student. Students have the opportunity to take the ACT up to 6 times at no cost to them.

The University of Arkansas – Rich Mountain Upward Bound Summer Program is an intensive six-week session that prepares students to excel in the classroom. During this time, students experience college life by taking courses at the college. As rising sophomores or juniors, students will have the opportunity to prepare themselves for the courses they will be taking in the upcoming school year. Courses provided include Biology, Chemistry, Algebra 2, Geometry, Literacy, Spanish, Drama, English, and more. Rising seniors will have to opportunity to take a college course at the University of Arkansas – Rich Mountain for college credit. In addition, rising seniors will participate in a Robotics or Drones course to challenge their critical thinking skills. On Fridays, students will tour colleges to establish an environment-driven experience in colleges across the state. The summer component is designed to simulate a college experience for UB participants.

Upward Bound has received grant funds to offer work-study for students during the summer. Several departments on the University of Arkansas – Rich Mountain campus and various businesses in the community participate in the work-study program for a "job shadowing" experience. These businesses often reflect the student's career interests they intend to pursue.

An educational summer trip will give UB participants additional educational, social, and cultural experiences. Students earn the weeklong summer trip by participating in weekly sessions, Saturday Academies, Summer Academy and doing well in all their classes. Past trips have included New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

Eligible UB students have the opportunity to participate in the Bridge program and earn college credit. Bridge students must be accepted to the University of Arkansas – Rich Mountain for the Summer I session and be enrolled in the college of their choice for the following fall semester. The Bridge program is an excellent opportunity for UB students to earn college credit and experience college life with the help of UB staff members.