Ohio University Upward Bound is a successful college access program that was established in 1967 and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound provides high school students who are potential first generation college students with readiness skills and support services that cultivate resilience, confidence, and preparation for a healthy an successful transition to, and graduation from, a college or postsecondary institution of their choice.

1967

The main objectives of the program are to: • Develop curriculum to help students actively pursue a college education upon high school graduation • Increase motivation to attend college by providing opportunities such as touring different college campuses and participating in career fairs • Foster social leadership and cultural awareness through diverse activities, workshops, and seminars

The Upward Bound program is split into two designated phases: The Academic Year Phase is designed to provide academic support, service learning opportunities, cultural activities and college readiness skills to students during the school year. Each student receives tutoring and advising from an Upward Bound academic advisor during the school year. Advising is designed to make the UB student college ready by taking a rigorous high school course load and information to help students prepare for college entrance exams (the ACT/SAT), research financial aid and scholarship options, and complete college undergraduate admissions applications. Students are required to attend monthly Saturday workshops on Ohio University's campus in an effort to broaden their experiences. The Summer Residential Phase is a six-week program of rigorous academic study. While living on Ohio University's campus in one of the residence halls, students are enrolled in academic and college/career development courses. These courses are designed to help students build academic and social skills that assist with transitioning to a new grade level for the forthcoming school year. Cultural and social weekend activities are also provided for students during the summer program. The college-like residence experience during the six-week summer program creates an ideal opportunity for Upward Bound to broaden our students' overall perspective of the world around them.