Upward Bound
The Upward Bound Program is designed to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. The Upward Bound program serves high school students grades 9 through 12 from low-income families and families which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. These services provide fundamental support to participants in preparation for postsecondary education. The VSU Upward Bound Program serves 88 high school students from the cities of: Hopewell, Petersburg, and the counties of: Chesterfield (Matoaca district), Dinwiddie, Greensville, and Sussex.
The Upward Bound Program consists of two components: Academic Saturday Sessions and 5 or 6-week Summer Residential Program. Both programs are on the campus of VSI.
Applicants must:
- Be a rising 9th grader or current 9th, 10th or 11th grader.
- Attend public school in one of the target areas.
- Be first-generation college students (Parents may not have a 4 year college degree).
- Complete the Upward Bound- Application to include: Counselors recommendation, (2) teacher recommendations, school transcript, and personal essay. (link to application)
Academic Component
Students attend two Saturday sessions (September-May) each month on the campus of VSU to receive supplemental instruction and tutoring in the following areas:
- Mathematics
- English
- Science
- Social Studies
- Foreign Language (Spanish & French)
- Computer Technology
Group Guidance includes:
- College and Career Exploration
- Study Skills
- Test Taking Skills
- Time Management
- Personal development
Summer Residential Component (late June and July)
The summer residential component is a 5 or 6-week program designed to provide students with the opportunity to live on a college campus and be exposed to college residential living. In addition, students will participate in courses designed to prepare them for the following academic year.
Summer courses include: Math, English, Science, Social Students, Critical Thinking and Group Guidance.
