Want to Join Upward Bound? Click Here

What is Upward Bound? 

Do you ever think about the future, your future? Do you ever dream about what you might become or what your life might be like after high school? You’ve heard it many times—a good education is the key to that future success you’ve dreamed about. For many students, the road to success begins through participation in Central College Upward Bound (“UB”). Central College UB is a college access program that helps potential first-generation* and/or income-eligible  students from designated high schools develop the skills and motivation they need to successfully complete high school and enroll in and complete a 2-or-4 year program of post-secondary education.

*A first-generation student does not live with a parent who graduated from a four-year college with a  baccalaureate degree.

What is Upward Bound like? Our Student Advisory Board lets you know. Click this link: https://youtu.be/rvqeRwlcUY8

Want to see what UB classes and nightly activities look like? Our Video Productions class from 2019 shows you Upward Bound: https://youtu.be/Ob87ktoJbio

What to see campus and what Upward Bound does on the campus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqWAXsw-ejc

Orientation Video 2021 for Upward Bound https://youtu.be/shwSHE_QE-4

T.C. Training Week Video 2021 https://youtu.be/U5fh-rO6BEw

 

Want to see what an Upward Bound summer looks like? Then click the link below!

2021 Upward Bound Summer Full Recap Video https://youtu.be/rN7wdbg-X6Y

 

Things you will need to Apply to Upward Bound:

  1. Parent and student contact information
  2. Parent/guardian for signatures
  3. Social security number
  4. Copy of your 2021 or 2022 federal tax form (with number of dependents and taxable income
  5. If applicable- food stamps case # or FIP case #
  6. Copy of health insurance card

 

How do I apply?

We are currently full for 22-23 Upward Bound. Please look back in the Fall 23′ for more details.

I have applied what are the next steps? 

What are the next steps?

If you are interested in joining Central College Upward Bound, please see the schedule below.

  1. Please have yourself and your parent/guardian fill out the application at the link above. It will take some time so make sure you are not rushed.
  2. If you qualify, we will interview you with Upward Bound Staff, if you do not qualify you will receive a letter the address you supply.

If you have any issues with the application process, please call 1-800-527-4047 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Upward Bound we look at G.P.A., Attendance, activities, teacher recommendations, financial information and first-generation status.

More Information on Upward Bound

Do you ever think about the future, your future? Do you ever dream about what you might become or what your life might be like after high school? You’ve heard it many times—a good education is

 

the key to that future success you’ve dreamed about. For many students, the road to success begins through participation in Central College Upward Bound (“UB”). Central College UB is a college access program that helps potential first-generation* and/or income-eligible students from designated high schools develop the skills and motivation they need to successfully complete high school and enroll in and complete a 2-or-4-year program of post-secondary education.

*A first-generation student is one who does not live with a parent who graduated from a four-year college with a baccalaureate degree.

ACADEMIC YEAR

  • After the summer program, UB students will continue to grow and learn together during the next academic year. UB activities and meetings resume in the month of September.
  • During the school year, the Central College UB program resumes with the academic year to help keep students focused on their academic performance and preparation towards college.
  • Additional support is provided through program services including, but not limited to:  delivered monthly academic curriculum during school meetings, tutoring, weekend academic workshops, service projects, cultural events, and/or campus visits.
  • UB Coordinators meet with students at least twice per month at their high schools to help students prepare for their education plans after high school through monthly curriculum and advising students to enroll in rigorous curriculum courses.
  • In-school support—UB identifies a school counselor or staff member to serve as a Target School Contact (TSC) in each target school. The TSC is a liaison between the high school and Central College UB staff. The TSC helps UB students keep their focus on improving the skills needed for education beyond high school and also approves individualized tutoring for students who need academic support.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Approximately 150 students (between our two UB programs) from target high schools participate in the summer program, which includes 3 weeks of residential living and learning on the campus of Central College in Pella and Community-Based* programming.

*Academic day only, no overnight

  • Weeks #1-3 include instruction in math, science, literature, composition, foreign language, and other elective courses, including some offered for college credit. A carefully designed evening     activities program helps students develop confidence, interests, and social skills.
  • During Week #4, students and staff take an extended weekend to explore the historical and cultural life of a major Midwestern city. Students visit main attractions, attend cultural events, and/or visit college & university campuses in the area.
  • All new participants currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 must participate in the full summer 2023 program. During the residential session, students return home on Friday early afternoon and return to campus on Sunday evenings each weekend.

* UB students live in the college residence halls. A college student, referred to as a Tutor-Counselor (TC), resides with and advises approximately 4-6 students per floor.

* All meals are provided through Central College’s dining facility, three times per day.

* Nightly activities are planned for UB students to enjoy.

* All expenses are paid for each UB student through a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.