Upward Bound

What is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound (UB), a federally funded TRIO program designed to identify and provide services to students, has functioned on the campus of West Virginia State University since 1965. The program was implemented to provide opportunities for first-generation college bound high school students. In creating conscious and knowledgeable scholars of the world, Upward Bound exposes participants to academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities. These experiences can help a student become successful in post-secondary education and beyond.

What does Upward Bound do?
During the regular school year (i.e., August through May), UB students meet two Saturdays a month to take supplemental classes that help them increase their skills in math, English, history, and science. Students also have access to free tutoring weekly.

In the summer (beginning in June) UB students attend a six-week residential program designed to give them a head start on their next year in school. 
Upward Bound also provides a variety of cultural and career enrichment experiences, such as”

• College visits and tours
• Cultural enrichment activities
• ACT and SAT preparation
• Scholarship workshops
• Academic advising
• Career exploration and guidance
• Monthly stipends for students meeting program requirements

Who is in Upward Bound?
Upward Bound participants are high school students attending Capital, South Charleston, Logan, Riverside, St. Albans, and Sissonville. To be eligible for participation, a student must AT LEAST:

• Be a first generation-college bound student (neither parent has completed a four-year college degree)

OR

• Meet federal income level guidelines

 
Other requirements include:

• Students from the above high schools must be in the 9^th, 10^th, or 11^th grade
• Graduating 8^th grade students who will be attending an above high school will be admitted after the receipt of their final report card
• Have academic potential and desire to be successful
• Plan to attend a four-year college or post-secondary institution of higher learning
• Desire to participate in ALL Upward Bound activities and events