Upward Bound Math/Science is a federally-funded program that helps participants develop the skills and motivation necessary to succeed in college. Through Upward Bound Math/Science, participants receive additional classroom instruction, tutoring, counseling, extensive preparation for college, and cultural enrichment. The program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating participants. The goal of the program is to help participants recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science. With Upward Bound Math/Science, a college education can become a reality.

Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are early intervention programs that help low-income and potential first-generation college students prepare for higher education. The Upward Bound programs bring high school students in grades 9-12 to the University of Arkansas campus on the weekends and during the summer to receive instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. The programs also provide academic and social support through tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, financial literacy, field trips, college planning, and financial aid application assistance. For students just completing their senior year of high school, Upward Bound provides a summer residential bridge program where participants earn up to six hours of college credit.

Upward Bound Math/Science provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education pursuits. Upward Bound Math/Science serves high school participants whose families meet the Department of Education’s income guidelines and/or high school participants from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. Upward Bound Math/Science seeks to increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.