The purpose of the Upward Bound program is to assist and
encourage talented high school students from the Beatrice, Southern and Fairbury High Schools achieve their
educational goals. Upward Bound helps its participants succeed in
high school and prepare for and enroll in college. The program encourages students to think about how they want to contribute to the future and how they can prepare to face the challenges that lie ahead. TRIO Upward Bound is a fully funded grant program through the Department of Education. The combination of intensive study and organized recreation helps
foster confidence, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and
friendship.
Upward Bound Academic School Year Program
In the Upward Bound Program, students receive:
- Tutoring in support of their present high school
classes.
- Guidance and Support in selecting academic, career and
postsecondary opportunities.
- Workshops and Group Activities to build self-confidence and
self-reliance.
- Enrichment Activities to develop creative thinking, effective
expression and positive attitudes toward learning.
- Cultural Awareness through exposure and participation in
cultural activities, tours of historical and geographical sites,
and visits to other educational facilities.
- Friendships and Relationships developed by meeting others who
share similar goals.
Summer Program
The Upward Bound Program includes a summer component during
which students attend academic enrichment classes on the campus of
Southeast Community College.
The summer program consists of an intensive six-week learning experience to further enhance students' academic and motivational levels. Students have the opportunity to attend several college tours and earn an out-of-state educational trip.
Eligibility
A student may be eligible for Upward Bound if she or he:
- is a student at Beatrice High School, Southern High School or Fairbury High School.
- is between the ages of 13 and 19 and has completed eighth grade
but has not entered 12th grade.
- is a legal resident of the United States.
- has a need for academic support to successfully pursue a
program leading to a postsecondary degree.
- comes from a family who meets the income criteria as
established by the Department of Education, and/or is a
first-generation student (neither parent has a four-year college
degree.)
Participants will be selected through a formal screening
process. Students admitted to the program sign a contract agreeing
to make their academic studies and personal development a priority.
Participants are willing to do their best.