Meet the Upward Bound Staff
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 $382,500. The
goal of the program is to prepare low income, potential first
generation college bound students for success in post secondary
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.