The mission of the Office of Special Programs-College Prep (OSP-CP) at the University of Chicago is to engage under-served urban high school students in academic, cultural, and recreational activities . These activities are reinforced with college and career guidance. OSP-CP activities help to equip students with higher-order thinking and lifelong learning skills. This preparation will ensure their acceptance and enrollment in an accredited institution of higher education. The UChicago Upward Bound Program is designed for students who want to prepare for a successful education and career by expanding their educational experiences beyond the school classroom. Upward Bound gives students a glimpse of college and and helps them to make plans for a successful post-secondary education experience and careers. Upward Bound is a member of the TRiO family of federally funded college access programs that are designed to motivate and support students from low income, first generation backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. Funded by the United States Department of Education UChicago Upward Bound is a year-round program that provides all services without charge to particpants.