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History The first Upward Bound Program at Virginia State University started June 1968 with thirty-five (35) students. The program has been successful in its funding for thirty-nine years (39). The Upward Bound Program is presently serving school districts in two (2) cities: Petersburg and Hopewell and six (6) counties: Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Sussex, Surry and the Matoaca district of Chesterfield County.
The Upward Bound Program was authorized under Section 417C of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Dr. Edward B. Boone, Professor Emeritus, wrote the first grant with Mrs. Doris Ridley serving as the Director of Upward Bound from 1968 until her retirement in 1994. Dr. Mary W. Wilson has served as Director since 1994. This office reports to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Support Services. The Director, Counselor, Education Specialist and Secretary are full-time employees, all other staff members are part-time.
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 post secondary institution and succeed with minimum difficulty. |
