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What Is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound is a federally-funded program specialized for high school students who have the potential to be the first college graduates in their family. They come from economically disadvantaged families with incomes of under $24,000. And Upward Bound may be their only way to prepare for higher education. It's not a hand-out program. These kids are hard-working and committed. So committed, they give up their weekends and summers to study at Valencia Community College. They get academic advice, mentoring and tutoring. They explore career possibilities and meet role models from different professions. They also get help in areas many of us from college-educated families may take for granted: how to fill out college and financial aid applications, how to take a college entrance exam, or even what a college campus looks like.

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Corporate Sponsors Make the Difference

Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, so the costs of instructor salaries and transportation to and from Valencia are covered by our national grant.
 

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Program Activities

• Instructional and tutoring in high school subject areas
• Academic advising
• Monitoring of academic progress
• College and career exploration
• Strategies for goal setting and decision-making
• Support and assistance with personal, social and family issues
• Assistance with college and financial aid applications
• Monthly stipend of $30 per student
• Preparation for college entrance exams
• Cultural diversity workshops
• Motivational speakers
• Cultural field trips
• Tours of colleges and universities
• Exposure to campus life
• Summer Academic Program at Valencia

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Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the program a student must meet the following criteria:

• Attend ninth, tenth or eleventh grade in a participating high school in Orange or Osceola County
• Be a potential first-generation college student where neither parent graduated from a four year college
• Have a family income that meets federal eligibility requirements (under $24,000)
• Demonstrate academic need

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How to Apply

Students should talk to their high school guidance counselor, or call Upward Bound Office listed in the contact us page to obtain application materials. The application process includes a completed application, transcripts, recommendations, an essay and family interview.

Applications are accepted throughout the school year, with candidates selected at the start of each school year to fill available openings. Once the program is full, applications are placed on waiting list. New openings are filled as they become available, as determined by the Upward Bound Staff.

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About Trio

The Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects and a dissemination partnership program to encourage the replication or adaptation of successful practices of TRIO projects at institutions and agencies that do not have TRIO grants.

TRIO Programs:

• Educational Opportunity Centers
• Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement
• Student Support Services
• Talent Search
• TRIO Dissemination Partnership Program
• Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff
• Upward Bound
• Upward Bound Math/Science

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