The Upward Bound Program is funded by a grant through the US Department of Education. This grant follows the legislation provided by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV). Its success helped support the creation of Educational Opportunity Centers, Veterans Upward Bound, and Upward Bound Math/Science in 1972; the Training Program in 1976; the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program in 1986, and the TRIO Dissemination Project in 1998. All of these programs make up what we call "TRiO" programs. This legislation defines participant eligibility, funding levels, documentation rules, and uses for the monies provided.
Upward Bound
The Upward Bound Program is committed to providing students opportunities to understand their vast potential as they prepare for post-secondary education.
We're Commited To
100%
Supporting 100% of our students in graduating from high school and creating a post-secondary education plan.
GPA
Helping our students continually improve their GPA and take courses that will challenge them and move them toward their desired path.
Grow
Building a community that expands student potential and their understanding of what is possible in their life.
Saturday Colleges & Enrichment
During the school year, we offer each of our participants an opportunity to come together as an Upward Bound community to have an experience that will expand them academically and personally. Past activities include:
Ziplining adventures
Understanding space and telescopes from a top NASA scientist
Attending UW Whitewater's homecoming game
Sailing in Milwaukee
Career development provided by UW Whitewater staff
College visits
Understanding the science behind hydroponics
And much more!
Six Week Summer Camp
Students are also expected to participate in our six-week summer camp at UW Whitewater. This residential summer camp allows students to understand what it looks and feels like to be a college student.
Students get the opportunity to:
- Live in campus housing
- Take skill-building classes in college classrooms
- Get access to experiences that will expand their professional development skills
- Have fun playing sports and coming together as a community
- Go on a regional college tour
Advising
We are proud to provide our participants regular support with dedicated advisors. Our team reaches out to our students weekly or bi-weekly to identify any challenges to identify any challenges and opportunities in their life. We work with our students to problem solve and create solutions to help them move forward academically, professionally, and personally.
Tutoring
All Upward Bound students have the opportunity to be connected to tutorial services either at their school or remotely. We encourage all students to use these services to improve their grades, complete homework assignments, and strengthen their fundamental skills.
The University of Wisconsin - Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, politial affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era status, parental status, and pregnancy.
Qualifications
Participants for Upward Bound must:
- Attend Racine Park, Racine Horlick, Racine Case, Milwaukee Hamilton, or Milwaukee South Division High Schools
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Resident
- Personally Qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch and/or
- Be a potential first-generation college student meaning neither parent/guardian has earned a four-year college degree
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect that a highly qualified professional will assist you with your academic and career goals. Our staff members have extensive backgrounds and training in educational and social issues that impact the success of students. We use this knowledge to provide creative programming, intrusive advising, and innovative experiences that will prepare you for higher education. We will be there to assist you in your current academic endeavors as well as preparing you for the future by assisting with college applications and navigating the financial aid process. If we have "insider information" we will give it to you, if you need deadline dates, we will get them for you, and if you need a sounding board to explore your options, we will be there for you.
Should you choose to apply for the program, we expect that means you have a strong desire to enter post secondary education and you will commit to this purpose. We ask that you complete all paper work needed in a timely manner as that assists us in maximizing dollars for your experience. We ask that you participate in Saturday Colleges, after school study centers, a six-week summer residential camp, and other activities provided by the program. We will come visit you in the schools, so we hope you come filled with questions and updates about your education. Finally, we ask that you involve your family in your success whenever possible; building a wide and strong educational support system will be the key to your success. Please remember YOUR legacy begins today; it is for you to choose the direction.
Interested?
Does Upward Bound feel like a good fit to you?
We'd love to talk. Submit your application and we'll be in touch!