The Upward Bound Program at NMH is a federally funded (Department of Education) initiative designed to provide low-income students with the skills and motivation they need to succeed in high school and college.

U.S. Department of Education

The Upward Bound Program at NMH is a federally funded (Department of Education) initiative designed to provide low-income students with the skills and motivation they need to succeed in high school and college.

College advising - In addition to advising or tutoring, the UB staff introduces students to colleges that might interest them and even takes students on trips to visit various schools. Lara graduated this spring from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a campus she first visited on an Upward Bound trip. College prep - Also among the summer activities are practice interviews with actual college representatives. The students are advised on how to dress for and conduct themselves during an interview and the college representatives offer feedback. Lara enjoyed spending summers with dedicated students like herself and says living in a dorm room for six weeks each summer introduced her to what college living would be like. The summer work also helps alleviate some of the school-year pressure, especially going into the senior year. There's nothing a la carte about Upward Bound. Once students are in, they must attend each summer program, complete about 52 community service hours each year, and participate in all the after school meetings. Incentives and trips can be mini-rewards, but the big payoff is getting into (and graduating from) college, and the students must be internally motivated to achieve that, Litalien says.