Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly is Upward Bound?
- What is the history of Upward Bound?
- What are the requirements?
- How much does UB cost?
- How often does UB meet?
- Where does UB meet?
- What are some UB activities?
- What will UB do for me?
- How do I get in UB?
- Is UB right for everyone?
- What is the pre-college curriculum?
What exactly is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a federally-funded academic enrichment program for high school students who will be first-generation college students and/or meet income requirements. Participants usually begin during their freshman year and remain with UB throughout high school. The program, which requires a strong commitment from the students and their parents, provides intensive, ongoing service to participants to ensure their success in preparing for and attending college.
What is the history of Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a TRIO program, funded by the US Department of Education. The name refers to the first three federal outreach programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services. TRIO now includes all programs contained in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Upward Bound is the oldest of the TRIO programs, designed to help disadvantaged students succeed in the colleges and technical schools they aspire to attend. Services provided include instruction in basic skills needed for postsecondary education, preparation for college entrance exams, exposure to cultural events, career counseling, and mentoring programs involving teachers.
In addition to Upward Bound, Madisonville Community College also hosts Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services. Upward Bound has been funded at MCC since 1990.
What are the requirements?
The majority of our students meet our main criteria: they are potential first-generation college students, with neither parent / guardian having a four-year degree. All students must show some academic need to qualify. Once admitted, UB participants are required to:
- Attend all scheduled activities, including the six-week summer programs
- Adhere to the Kentucky Pre-College Curriculum through graduation from high school
- Maintain an acceptable GPA and demonstrate academic progress
- Follow the program's behavior guidelines
How much does UB cost?
That's the best part -- not only is there no cost to participants for UB travel or meals, students also receive a stipend each semester, based on attendance and GPA.
How often does UB meet?
In the summer we meet every weekday for six weeks at the MCC college campus. During the academic year we maintain regular weekly contact with students -- at their schools, at MCC, or by Internet.
Where does UB meet?
At Madisonville Community College and at their home schools, depending on the schedule.
What are some UB activities?
During the school year, UB students:
- Receive tutoring in their high school classes
- Attend workshops to enhance their academic skills
- Prepare for college entrance exams
- Engage in career and college planning
- Have access to MCC computer labs
- Have access to Upward Bound's laptop computers for home use
- Tour college campuses
During the six-week summer program students:
- Receive intensive academic instruction
- Attend workshops and classes
- Practice leadership skills
- Engage in career orientation
- Participate in fun group activities
- Travel to educational and cultural locations in major cities for our closing trip
- Tour college campuses
What will UB do for me?
UB students receive instruction in these areas:
- ACT preparation
- Study skills
- Computer literacy
- Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Literature
- Science
- Foreign language
Participants also receive:
- College application advising
- Financial aid information
- Tutoring
- Cultural enrichment activities
- Career information
- ACT tuition
- Travel opportunities
- Stipends for certain activities
How do I get in UB?
- Obtain an application from your school's guidance office, the UB office at MCC, or here
- Fill it out, answer the short essay questions, and collect your family's financial information
- Complete any additional forms provided with the application
- Mail the application or bring it by our office
- We will set up an interview with you and your parents, during which time we will discuss the program and our expectations. If you have questions, you may ask them at that time
- We will notify you of your acceptance
Eligible participants are chosen based on their need for academic support, commitment to academic progress during high school, and desire to enroll and complete a program of study after high school graduation.
Is UB right for everyone?
No. Since students must have some academic need, those with high GPAs may not qualify. Those who are heavily involved in extra-curricular activities or who must work during the summer may not have the time to commit to our program. Upward Bound is a long-term commitment with long-term rewards.
What is the pre-college curriculum?
Upward Bound requires its participants to be on the pre-college curriculum at their high schools, which includes 4 English credits, at least 3 math credits, at least 3 science credits, at least 3 social studies credits, at least 2 credits of the same foreign language, and more. These graduation requirements will better prepare them for college. You can find more details here at the Kentucky Department of Education website.