About

What is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound (UB) is a college preparatory program co-funded by the United States Department of Education and the University of Northern Iowa. It is designed to empower program participants with the academic skills and motivation necessary to be successful in high school and to ultimately complete college.

Upward Bound Overview

Who can participate in Upward Bound?

The U.S. Department of Education requires that at least two-thirds of program participants come from a low-income and first-generation family (neither parent has a four-year degree). The other one-third of participants must come from either a low-income or first-generation family.

All selected students must have demonstrated a "potential for completing a college education" as measured by standardized tests, high school grades, and written recommendations from a school administrator, counselor, or teacher. Any student who meets the above criteria and has completed the eighth grade or is currently enrolled in the ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade in the Waterloo Community School District may become Upward Bound scholars.

How do you apply?

You can obtain an application from the UB office located in the UNI-CUE, 800 Sycamore Street, Waterloo, from your school counselor, or you may print off the application form from this website. Complete all forms carefully and return the application, along with a copy of your transcript, to the Upward Bound office. Once all documents are received, and if you meet the participant criteria, you will be contacted and informed of the next step in the process. Access the application form and a list of application materials: Upward Bound application materials.

What is the purpose of Upward Bound?

The purpose of the Upward Bound program is to promote students' awareness of the possibility of furthering their education beyond high school and to help students become more aware of their self-worth, uniqueness, culture and individual creativity.

What does Upward Bound offer?

UB is divided into two components: the academic year program and the summer program. During the academic year program, students receive tutoring in their high school subjects, basic skills instruction, academic advising and counseling. During the summer, UB students spend six weeks on the University of Northern Iowa campus, where they are housed in a closelymsupervised college dormitory. All students receive daily instruction in challenging classes designed to strengthen each student's academic skills.

In addition to academic services, UB students participate in recreational, cultural and other educational activities during both the summer and academic year.

What does Upward Bound cost?

UB academic and counseling services are provided absolutely free to program participants, including costs for room and board during the six-week summer program.

How successful has the Upward Bound program been?

There are over 500 Upward Bound programs in the United States today. Research studies have shown that nationally, over 70% of UB students finish high school and enter college. This compares with only 40% of non-UB students who do the same. The University of Northern Iowa UB program currently has a 100% high school completion rate and over 90% college placement rate.

Who supervises Upward Bound students when they are away from home?

UB students are supervised by adult trained teachers, counselors and para-professionals at all UB activities. Rules of conduct for students are strict and students who violate these rules are dismissed from the program.