Staff:
Project Director: Cheryl Baird
Academic Advisor: Amanda Ramirez
Secretary: Janice Fernandez

Program Overview
Upward bound is a free, year round college preparatory program for high school students.  It is 100% grant funded by the federal government with an annual award of $362,495.  The goal of the program is to prepare low income, potential first generation college bound students for success in postsecondary education.  Students attending a target school in Beeville, Mathis, Pettus, or Skidmore must qualify in order to be selected.  Once selected, students remain in the program until their graduation from high school and completion of their first summer semester of university. 

Eligibility Requirements
Students must be:
1. Low-income and/or potential first-generation college board (neither parent has a bachelor's degree)
2. At least 13 years old
3. Entering the 9th, or 10th grade of high school
4. Be a student attending a target school
5. Be a citizen, national, or a permanent resident of the U.S.

Academic Year
September through May, students attend classes on specified Saturdays a month from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Instruction is offered in mathematics, English, reading, writing, study skills, speech, government, career awareness and related topics.

Summer Component
Starting in June, the students attend classes for six weeks. Classes, cultural events and field trips are held from Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  The summer program offers instruction in mathematics, English, science, foreign languages, life management skills and computer science.

Bridge Program
After graduating from high school, qualifying Upward Bound students enroll at Coastal Bend College for their first summer semester.  Students are assisted with the admissions and financial aid processes, as well as their academic transition to college.  Tutoring, counseling and various other services are also offered.  The bridge program provides tuition, housing, books and meals for our recent high school graduates.