Upward Bound Programs
...striving to create Upward Bound scholars, self-actualized learners that realize education is the key to social change, that learning extends beyond the limits of the classroom, and ultimately, students that endeavor for excellence.
Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance.
In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life.
These Programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs).
While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
Students in an Upward Bound program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO.
Upward Bound is a federally funded program founded in 1965 by the U.S. Department of Education. Located at several institutions throughout the country, the Upward Bound Program at UT Arlington has been providing services to area high school students since 1982. Participants are potential first generation college students and several belong to low-income families.
The program focuses on equipping these students with the necessary skills to succeed, both academically and personally, after high school graduation. Services include after-school tutoring, academic instruction in core curriculum, TAKS/PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation, college tours, workshops, summer residential program, monthly community service opportunities, cultural & educational field trips and a host of other activities. Participants also receive a monthly stipend.
Upward Bound serves 9th - 12th grade students attending high schools in Arlington ISD and Grand Prairie ISD. At present, there are two Upward Bound Programs on UT Arlington's campus:
UPWARD BOUND I - funded to serve 80 students from Sam Houston, Grand Prairie & Timberview High Schools
UPWARD BOUND II - funded to serve 60 students from Arlington, Bowie, Lamar, Seguin, and South Grand Prairie High Schools.