Structure
Upward Bound operates, year-round. During the academic year, students attend classes in English, mathematics, science and foreign languages on Saturdays at UTC. In addition, special seminars are offered concerning the selection of colleges, career and educational planning, preparation for college admissions tests and personal improvement (e.g. value clarification and goal development). Cultural enrichment activities such as attending plays and concerts are strongly encouraged.
The academic year also includes weekday and afterschool tutorial sessions at UTC. These sessions are conducted by graduate and undergraduate students who assist Upward Bounders with their understanding of class assignments. For students who cannot attend weekday tutoring, sessions are offered on Saturday afternoons.
The summer component involves six weeks of residence at UTC. Again, classes that supplement high school English and mathematics are offered, in addition to science and a foreign language. The summer curriculum also includes special counseling classes that focus on the college admissions process, seminars related to career preparation, and special interest classes that allow students to enhance their academic skills through the completion of a variety of projects. Cultural enrichment activities are extended to include travel to major cities and special cultural events. Upward Bound is structured to help students improve and build upon their skills and understanding of a given subject, to gain exposure to new ideas and to experience new avenues of knowledge through different insights to learning.
UB offers each member:
- Fee waivers for ACT and/or SAT testing
- Payment of up to 3 college applications (fees)
- Free tutoring (this link connects to services offered to students at Howard; other UB students attend services at UTC) on Saturdays and after school (Mondays Wednesdays at UTC Stagmaier Hall)
- Visits to colleges and universities, as well as college fairs
- As we can, mentoring, job shadowing and internships
- College preparation and life skills courses
- Special instruction and assistance from Hamilton County teachers
- A $10 stipend in the academic year/$15 in the summer
- Free admission to many local events/exposure to the arts and cultural and social activities and events
- Access to UTC facilities
- Access to resources and materials related to college, technology, business and prominent officials, etc.
- Can provide referrals and references for students during and after UB
- Use of computers on campus in the summertime and a laptop that can be reserved and taken home
- A scholarship for Bridge Students their final summer, depending on funds raised
…and a variety of connections around the world that no other youth program offers.
