"Our mission is to help prepare promising students from low-income households to enter and succeed in college and to contribute productively to society."

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.

A Brief History

UPWARD BOUND was established by the U.S. Government Higher Education Act of 1965. It is one of the original TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound programs serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, and American Samoa. The Upward Bound Program at the University of Florida began during the summer of 1971 with 64 students. Since then, the Program has helped thousands of students to complete high school and enter college. UF Upward Bound serves students in grades 9 through 12 in high schools located in Alachua and Bradford counties.

University of Florida UPWARD BOUND Program

Upward Bound at UF is a year-round program consisting of an intensive six week Summer Session and the Fall-Spring Academic Year. During the summer, students live on campus, enroll in college prep classes, and participate in educational, cultural, and other youth development activities. The Fall & Spring Sessions offer tutorial, workshops, counseling, and other support services. Upward Bound staff members work with each student to develop and implement an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) according to the student’s needs, potential, interests, and goals.

Summer Session: 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, and go on educational tours. 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.

Fall & Spring Sessions: September to May

During the Fall and Spring Sessions students are provided academic support and enhancement which complement their high school courses in English, Spanish, Mathematics, Sciences, and Computer Applications. Career planning, college major decisions, and life skills counseling are provided. Mentoring and tutoring are also offered.

Objectives of the Upward Bound Program at University of Florida

• To Achieve Significant Improvement in Academic Courses and Performance on Standardized Tests.
• To Retain Students in the Upward Bound Program form the time they enroll until they graduate from high school.
• To Prepare Students who graduate from the Upward Bound program to be admitted to college.
• To Equip students who graduate from the Upward Bound Program with the educational background and skills to continue in a college degree program.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each Student

• High School Networks/Collaboration: Regular visits to high schools by UB Counselors to meet with students, and their guidance counselors and teachers.
•  Reading/Writing Laboratory:  Comprehension, Analysis, Critical Thinking
• Targeted Tutorial/Tutoring
• Improving High School GPAs
• Intensive Preparation for the ACT
• Scholarship Assistance (Goal: each senior should receive at least one scholarship)
• Personal Development: Self-esteem, Motivation, Focus, Interests
• Leadership Development
• Community Service

High Schools Served by the UF Upward Bound Program