Students & Services
Who can participate in Upward Bound?
The U.S. Department of Education requires that at least two-thirds of the program participants come from a low-income and first-generation family in which neither parent has a four-year degree. The other one-third of participants 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 8th grade or is currently enrolled in the 9th, 10th or 11th grade in a Waterloo Community school may apply.
Services
What services are available to UB participants?
- Academic advising & counseling
- Personal & career counseling
- Supplemental instruction & tutorial services
- Financial aid counseling
- Study skills development workshops
- Academic instruction
- Cultural & educational enrichment activities
- College admissions assistance
- Six-week summer residential program
UB Academic Year Program
The most extensive phase of the program takes place during the academic year. Students attend after-school tutorials and group study sessions to receive assistance with their high school course work. Certified teachers and UNI students conduct these sessions. Throughout the academic year, students are provided with academic advising and counseling, career exploration, college tours, study skills, development workshops and cultural enrichment activities.
UB Six-Week Summer Residential Program
Students participating in the summer program spend six weeks living in a college dormitory at UNI with other UB students. Participants attend interesting classes in mathematics, composition, science, foreign language and computer science aimed at empowering them with the skills necessary to succeed in high school and college. Students who qualify may be able to take a college level course for credit at the University of Northern Iowa. Courses are taught by skilled instructors whose primary concern is the student. Each student receives room, board and instruction free of charge. Students also participate in recreational, cultural and educational extracurricular activities.
UNI-CUE ACT Prep Sessions
As the spring semester commences, many juniors and seniors will be taking the ACT test. Whether it's a first or second time, ACT preparation sessions will help our scholars decipher questions, understand content and perform at their highest level.
At the Upward Bound program, we believe in partnering with many community agencies and programs to deliver high quality services to our program scholars. That is why we have partnered with our UNI-CUE host to provide free ACT preparation sessions for our students. You will find more information in the link provided. Feel free to contact our program office at 319-273-4775 or the UNI-CUE office at 319-273-4772 for more information.