“Our
mission is to prepare promising students -- who are traditionally
under-represented in post-secondary and tertiary educational
institutions because of income, family educational background, or other
federal criteria -- to enter and successfully matriculate at colleges
and universities, so that they can strive to reach their maximum
academic, personal, social, and professional potential and, thereby,
contribute productively to our society.”
UPWARD BOUND: An OVERVIEW
UPWARD BOUND is a college preparatory program at the University of
Florida that helps high schools students to develop the skills and
motivation necessary to succeed in college and professional careers.
Students must meet Federal Income Eligibility guidelines and/or be
first generation college students. The University of Florida UPWARD
BOUND program serves high school students in Alachua and Bradford
counties.
UPWARD BOUND: A Brief History
UPWARD BOUND was established by the United States Government Higher
Education Act of 1965. It is one of the original TRIO programs funded
by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound came to the
University of Florida in 1971. Upward Bound programs serve all 50
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Palau, Micronesia,
and American Samoa.
University of Florida UPWARD BOUND Program
The UF UB program is a year-round experience consisting of a 24-week
Academic Phase from September to April, and a 6-week Summer Phase in
June and July.
Academic Phase: September
to April
Students attend classes on Saturday mornings that provide a challenging
college preparatory regime. Core courses are English, Spanish,
Mathematics, Sciences, and Computer Applications. Academic, career, and
life skills counseling is provided. Mentoring and tutoring are also
offered.
Summer Phase: June and
July
During the 6-week summer session, students reside in a UF dormitory.
They are immersed in an intensive schedule of classes, college entrance
exam preparation, and hands-on science laboratories.
Cultural and Life
Expanding Activities
UPWARD BOUND believes that a successful person is well-rounded. In
addition to the academic program students attend local and state-wide
conferences, participate in the Annual Summer Olympics, enjoy cultural
and educational events, organize a talent pageant, conduct student
leadership activities. A highlight of the UPWARD BOUND experience is
the Summer Tour. UPWARD BOUND students have traveled to Mexico, the
Caribbean, and throughout the United States. These and other activities
allow students a comprehensive college preparatory environment.
The Summer Bridge Program
During the summer after high school graduation, UPWARD BOUND students
may enroll in the Summer Bridge Program. Students in the UF UB program
who are admitted to the University of Florida bridge the path between
high school and college. They enroll in regular UF courses and earn up
to six hours of college credit toward the B.A. or B.S. degree.
Students in Computer Applications class learn to use
computer software for presentations as instructed by Mr. Jain
