Alabama State University's Upward Bound Program provides fundamental support to students seeking college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to improve pre-college performance and ultimately succeed in higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low income families and/or students in which neither parent holds a bachelors degree, and low-income, first generation who are preparing to enter post-secondary education. The emphasis of the Upward Bound Program is twofold: students being accepted at a post-secondary institution increasing the student's cultural identification and self-identity, as self-esteem is an important aspect in student achievement.