Upward Bound is an academic support program funded by the U. S. Department of Education's TRIO Programs division. The mission of this program is to provide the necessary support for economically disadvantaged and/or first generation high school students to complete high school, enroll in college, and successfully obtain a four-year college degree.
Upward Bound at Appalachian State University has served Potential students are referred by teachers, guidance counselors, and community resources and are encouraged to apply (students may also refer themselves). The Upward Bound staff selects participants based on a number of eligibility criteria and personal interviews. Selected students enter the program during their freshman or sophomore year and receive services throughout high school.
Upward Bound seeks students who are willing to work hard and show continual improvement in their coursework. In order to succeed, Upward Bound students will need to develop a strong commitment to reaching their goals of high academic and personal achievement that will enable them to go to college.
Who Qualifies
Students who are selected to participate in Upward Bound must demonstrate the academic potential and desire to attend a four-year college, be in the 9th or 10th grade at the time of application, and meet specific family income guidelines and/or are potential first generation college graduates.
During the School Year...
During the high-school academic year, program services include: weekly tutoring sessions; academic counseling; classroom instruction; vocabulary and other enrichment activities; college entrance exam preparation; study skills workshops; social, cultural, and personal development activities; educational reward trips; and a comprehensive 6-week summer component that includes extensive coursework and allows students to live on campus and adapt to the college environment.
All of the Upward Bound activities described above are offered at no cost to selected participants. During the academic year, transportation to and from weekly meetings is provided and meals are often served as a part of the evening events. Students receive a stipend (spending money) based on meeting attendance and fulfilling their academic contract with Upward Bound. All entrance fees and ticket costs for cultural events are paid for by Upward Bound.
Every Summer...
During the summer, Upward Bound students come to Appalachian State University for an exciting six-week, residential component designed to simulate a college experience. Rising sophomores and juniors remain on campus; rising seniors participate in the SAGE program; and graduated seniors participate in the Bridge program (described below). The on-campus students live in a residence hall and attend a full schedule of classes. The core curriculum consists of English (grammar/writing), mathematics (algebra and geometry), study skills, lab sciences (biology and chemistry), foreign language and life and career planning. Rising tenth graders will participate in service learning and rising eleventh graders will participate in a Career Mentorship and receive an extra stipend for this experience.
Electives have been offered in areas such as art, journalism, graphic design, photography, and physical fitness just to name a few. Evenings offer group activities, seminars, and special events. Each day will provide time for group and individual study. Fun and exciting activities provide opportunities for cultural and social experiences. Through this programming, students are given the academic structure and opportunity to gain the necessary skills, habits, and attitudes for high school and college success.
Rising seniors who have spent at least one summer in the on-campus, college-simulation program participate in the Senior Adventure Group Experience (SAGE). This component of Upward Bound has been nationally recognized as a model program based on the concept of experiential education. Experiential education is the process of learning by actually participating in a hands-on experience. For example, students learn about their relationship with the environment by spending four days backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. Other classroom settings may include the Biltmore House, Washington, DC, or the Nantahala River. SAGE students will also visit many colleges, learn about leadership, and prepare for college entrance exams.
Graduated seniors participate in the final Upward Bound experience, the Bridge program. Bridge is the final accomplishment of a student's commitment to Upward Bound, and, the first of many commitments to their own futures. Upward Bound assists graduating seniors in "bridging" the gap between high school and college by providing students with a headstart on college. During the school year, Upward Bound will assist seniors with completing college applications, applying for financial aid, and searching for scholarship money. Students who successfully complete the Bridge summer coursework can enter college with two courses already completed, the equivalent of six credit hours worth approximately $1500. Room, board, and tuition for the summer Bridge program are provided by Upward Bound at no charge. In addition, students will live in a residence hall as an independent college student and have the opportunity to be involved with all activities residence life provides. Upward Bound works with students to help make the transition to college as smoothly as possible. Following the Bridge experience, students are well on their way to academic success in a college environment.
