Upward Bound, the oldest of a series of programs known as TRIO programs, was created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. Specific legislation for the program was initially authorized under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and later moved to be included under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. While much of President Johnson's War on Poverty and the Great Society initiatives dealt with the problems of jobs and housing, this legislation which authorized the TRIO programs sought to provide educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance. The Upward Bound Program has been in existence on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace College since 1968. Former Baldwin-Wallace College President, A.B. Bonds, Jr. was instrumental in bringing Upward Bound to Baldwin-Wallace's campus. Under President Bond's leadership, Ernest Kozmo, from B-W's Education Department wrote the first grant proposal. That initial grant application proposed that an Upward Bound be funded for 50 students attending Cleveland Public High Schools. The areas to be served reflected high rates of poverty and/or evidenced lower levels of educational attainment. The schools proposed to be services by the Upward Bound Program in this initial grant were Lincoln High and West High schools on the near west side and on the east side in the Kinsman area, East Technical and John Adams High Schools.

The Division of School & Community Academic Programs (SCAP) establishes, coordinates, and maintains college partnerships and outreach programs and activities with K-12 school districts, and community businesses and organizations.

The basic objectives of services provided by Upward Bound programs are to increase participants High School GPA, improve standardized test results, and assist in attaining post-secondary admission to colleges and universities. In order to achieve this, all Upward Bound programs must provide instruction in Math, Laboratory Science, English Composition, Literature, and Foreign Language. Other Upward Bound services include: Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school Academic, financial, or personal counseling Exposure to collegiate academic programs and cultural events Tutorial services Mentoring program Information on post-secondary education opportunities Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams Work study positions for Upward Bound graduates attending Camden County College