Upward Bound
The Upward Bound Program is one (1) of two (2) federally funded TRIO Programs on the campus of Virginia State University. The purpose of Upward Bound is to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school among young people (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders) from low income and first generation families who have academic potential but lack adequate secondary support. These students upon graduating from high school are to enter a postsecondary institution and succeed with minimum difficulty.
The program also supports the “No Child Left Behind Act” of 2001. Specifically, the program funds projects designed to improve the graduation rates and academic achievement of program participants in preparation for postsecondary education.
Virginia State University’s program has a funding cycle of four years, with each cycle beginning June 1 and ending May 31. The project is funded to serve seventy-five (75) students during the Academic Year and up to sixty (60) students during the Summer Residential Component. The program is supported with Title IV funds and is located in region four (4) of the United States as designated by the U.S. Department of Education. The program consists of the following:
- An intensive educational summer residential component at the University for six weeks.
- An academic year follow-up involving students coming to the campus every other Saturday for academic assistance with their subjects, tutoring, workshops, seminars and testing.
- An organized guidance program designed for educational, career and personal counseling with emphasis on the total development of the student.
- A variety of cultural events - on and off campus.
- Payment for the processing of admissions applications, financial aid planning and preparation for seniors enrolled in the program.
- Educational field trips to include college visits.
- Mid-week tutorial and study sessions on campus each Wednesday.
- Tutorial and academic classes conducted every other Saturday of the month.
Requirements for consideration are:
- Potential low-income, first generation college student
- Need for services i.e. academic/motivational in pursuit of postsecondary education
- Recommendation from teachers, counselors, social workers, or community leaders
- Written statement from the student regarding reason for wanting to participate
- Results from the personal interview with students and parents
Upward Bound has an open enrollment policy with efforts to recruit minority groups and the physically challenged toto ensure the “No Child Left Behind Act” is met. Students will be selected who meet the following criteria:
· A citizen or national and permanent resident of the United States
· A low-income/first generation family status
· A need for academic support to enhance high school graduation and the pursuit of postsecondary education
The staff consists of a director, counselor, education specialist, administrative and office specialist II, certified teachers from local public schools, retired teachers who serve as tutors, a part-time tutorial coordinator, a program support technician, community volunteers, and graduate and undergraduate students who serve as tutors.
The office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and is located on the first floor of 3 Jackson Place, Virginia State University, P.O. Box 9014.
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