Upward Bound

Upward Bound

Upward Bound logoUpward Bound is part of the family of Federal TRiO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. 

TRiO programs ensure equal educational opportunities for all students by providing skills and information needed to overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Upward Bound helps students succeed academically by giving them the tools they need to first graduate from high school before enrolling in and graduating from college. Upward Bound participants have "college potential," but are often unaware of the academic and career options beyond high school.

Purpose

  • A motivational program based on academics, Upward Bound assists high school students with graduation requirements while preparing them for enrollment in and eventual completion of postsecondary education.
  • Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Dakota County Technical College, Upward Bound serves 50 students in grades 9-12 from Henry Sibley and South St. Paul high schools.
  • All qualified students are encouraged to apply. Our policy obliges us to accept students who best conform to the program's federal guidelines.

Services

  • Academic tutoring
  • Personal enrichment workshops
  • Stipend (money) during the academic year and summer months based on attendance and academic performance
  • One-on-one mentoring with an academic/career advisor
  • Afterschool program sessions twice a week
  • Six-week summer program at DCTC with math, science, English, foreign language, computer skills and study skills classes
  • Assistance with college entrance requirements
  • Parent/guardian support and assistance in matters affecting the student's educational progress
  • Fun cultural, social and career-oriented field trips
  • Access to computer-based career and postsecondary educational information
  • Financial aid and scholarship information and assistance
  • Many opportunities to meet new friends

Upward Bound Application

Eligibility Criteria for Selection as Upward Bound Student

  • Low income and/or potential first-generation college student
  • Grade Point Average of 2.5 or better
  • Potential for academic success in postsecondary education
  • Consistent class attendance
  • Committed to graduating from high school
  • Committed to pursuing a postsecondary program
  • Committed to the Upward Bound program requirements
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Upward Bound Services

Academic Year

  • Our afterschool program targets South St. Paul High School and Henry Sibley High School
  • Our academic advising ensures that students enroll in classes that prepare them for college
  • Our mandatory monthly Saturday educational workshops focus on:
    • Intensive skill development
    • Preparation for college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT
    • Career research
    • College applications and planning
    • Scholarship and financial aid options applications
    • Recreational or cultural learning experiences. Previous sessions featured bowling, snow tubing, a Science Museum of Minnesota visit and helping out at Feed My Starving Children

Summer Session

  • During our six-week summer session, Upward Bound provides academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition/literature, foreign culture and languages.

  • Other services may include some or all of the following:
    • Mentoring programs
    • Assistance in college searches and campus visits to gain information on postsecondary education opportunities
    • Career visits to business, industry, medicine, publishing and so forth to expose participants about careers requiring a postsecondary degree
    • Cultural enrichment activities
    • Other opportunities to help students grow and become more motivated to succeed, such as leadership conferences as well as occasional overnight and multi-day trip

Upward Bound Links

Academic Links

Financial Aid Links

Scholarship Links

Alumni Links

Upward Bound Calendar

Download the Upward Bound Calendar

 

Contact Information

Location

  • Learning Center | Room 2–141

Hours

  • 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
    Monday through Friday