Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a federally funded, early intervention program that helps high school students develop the skills and motivation they need to succeed in high school. Students are provided with the necessary tools and resources to enter and be successful in college. To achieve these goals, Upward Bound provides academic support, social and cultural enrichment, and opportunities for personal growth, to qualifying students, free of cost.
Students who are in 9th or 10th grade, exhibit academic potential, and show a desire to enroll in college are encouraged to apply to the Upward Bound program. Participants remain in the Upward Bound program through graduation from high school.
Services & Programming
Academic Year Activities
- Participate in various academic and personal enrichment activities
- Weekend Academy includes tutoring programs, SAT/ACT preparation, personal development activities, college visits
- Weekly one-on-one meetings with Upward Bound academic coordinators
Summer Academy
Six-week residential program on App State’s campus provides exposure to college and on-campus living.
- Enroll in courses in core subjects such as math, science, and English, as well as electives related to visual arts, performing arts, and physical education
- Engage in community service projects
- Visit college campuses across the state of North Carolina
- Travel to various locations such as Washington D.C. and the North Carolina coast
Eligibility
In order to apply to participate in Upward Bound, students must meet the following requirements:
- Student must attend Alleghany, Ashe County, Avery County, McDowell, Freedom, Watauga, or West Wilkes High Schools
- Student must be in 9th grade (10th grade in special circumstances)
- Student must demonstrate the academic potential and desire to attend college
- Student will be the first generation in his/her family to go to college and/or come from a qualifying low-income household.
- Student has an academic need as determined by an Upward Bound Academic Coordinator
Admission
Upward Bound accepts applications each fall semester. High school & middle school guidance counselors and teachers recommend students to the program, and students may also refer themselves. Any student that meets the eligibility requirements may apply. We have students who have started off with a failing class or two and gone on to achieve great success later in high school and in college.
This application will take you about 30 minutes to complete and you will need information from your parents.
- Application for Ashe, Avery, Watauga, West Wilkes students
- Application for Alleghany, Freedom, McDowell students
If you do not get selected this year and you qualify, your records will be kept on a waiting list for the next available space. We will contact you as space opens. For more information or if you have questions email upwardbound@appstate.edu or call 828-262-2725.
Student Commitment
Students who are accepted into Upward Bound are accepted for the remainder of their high school careers provided they keep their grades up and continue to participate. We ask that students attend all Upward Bound sponsored events. Remember, you can’t get anything out of a program you don’t put anything into. We promise to make an investment in your education, if you promise to invest your time and energy by participating.
Family Commitment
One of our goals is to develop a strong working partnership with each student and his/her family. Therefore, it is important that the whole family consider the following: purpose of the program, services provided, time commitments for the school year and summer programs, and the importance of open communication & returning phone calls and messages.
Partners
- Alleghany High, Alleghany County Schools
- Appalachian State University
- Ashe County High, Ashe County Schools
- Ashe Early College High School, Ashe County Schools
- Avery County High School, Avery County Schools
- Freedom High, Burke County Schools
- McDowell High School, McDowell County Schools
- myFutureNC
- National Student Clearinghouse
- NC Department of Public Instruction
- Watauga High, Watauga County Schools
- West Wilkes High, Wilkes County Schools
Questions?
Resources for Current Upward Bound Students
Are you already a student that is participating in Upward Bound? Visit our UB student website that includes handbook and policies, Summer Academy information and Academic Year resources.
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