Upward Bound is one of six Federal TRIO Programs
( www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html )
developed in 1965 during the Johnson administration's “War on Poverty.” All TRIO Programs are designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, supplementing their existing education and preparing them for academic success at all educational levels. Other TRIO Programs include: Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement, Student Support Services, Talent Search, and Upward Bound Math-Science.

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and low-income, first generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.   Read what students have said


The University of Colorado at Boulder Upward Bound Program is Designed to:

Provide 80 high school students from targeted areas, located on or near 13 major Native American reservations or communities throughout the United States, with the opportunity to experience a college atmosphere before graduating from high school. The CU Upward Bound Program provides instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language throughout the academic year and during the six-week Summer Academic Institute held on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus. Other services include:

•  Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other
   subjects necessary for success in education beyond
   high school

•  Academic, financial, or personal counseling

•  Exposure to academic programs and cultural events

•  Tutorial services

•  Mentoring programs

•  Information on postsecondary education opportunities

•  Assistance in completing college entrance and financial
   aid applications

•  Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams

Student Quotes

"This summer was amazing. I've never had so much fun and done so many things in one summer. This program prepared me for my tenth grade year of high school and for many years to come. It helped me decide on what college that I wanted to attend the most, and it helped me personally. I met a lot of great people that I will never forget."  --Freshman Student, Lumbee, Purnell Swett High School, Pembroke, North Carolina

"The dorm life I had was cool! It felt good to get away from home and experience a new way of living... I loved my roommate because she gave me space and she was there when I needed her. Just learning about her and her culture was really interesting. It's amazing how much you can have in common with someone you have never met before!"  --Freshman Student, Lakota, Red Cloud High School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota

"I got a lot more out of the program than I expected. I made new friends, visited many theme parks, and to my surprise, had fun while I completed my assignments... This program has changed me in so many ways. I have become more independent. It also has made me look at life in a different way. Don't take anything for granted. Do your best at any opportunity that comes your way. I would definitely recommend this program to other students."  --Freshman Student, Lumbee, Fairmont High School, Fairmont, North Carolina