Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program that provides free, year-round academic, personal, and college preparation support to high school students from low-income backgrounds and those whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. Designed for students who are interested in post-secondary education, the program offers workshops, college visits, enrichment experiences and summer programming that build academic skills, leadership, and college readiness. Through intentional academic support, including tutoring, advising, and exposure to college and career pathways, Upward Bound helps students excel in high school, successfully transition to college, and persist through degree completion. The program’s goal is to ensure students graduate from high school prepared, enroll in college with confidence, and ultimately earn a postsecondary degree. 

Upward Bound Program
Staff Directory

Services

Upward Bound provides a comprehensive set of services to strengthen academic skills and prepare students for college success. Beyond academics, the program offers leadership development, social enrichment, financial literacy education, guidance on college fit, and career exploration. Students also engage in service-learning, field trips, workshops, and community events, experiences that broaden their perspectives and foster growth outside the classroom. 

Services provided by UB include: 

  • Tutoring 
  • Individualized Academic Advising 
  • Career Exploration 
  • College Admission Assistance 
  • Financial Aid and Scholarship Assistance 
  • Academic and Career Exploration Workshops 
  • College Visits and Campus Tours 
  • Mandatory 6-Week Summer Program 
  • Parent Workshops 

Program Dates

Upward Bound provides participants with academic enrichment, career exploration, personal support, leadership development, and exposure to the college environment. Students participate in the program from the time of acceptance through high school graduation. Participation is required for the six-week pre-college summer program on the UW-Milwaukee campus. Students attend classes according to grade level. 

Academic Year

  • Attend monthly UB program meeting, academic enrichment and college preparation workshops and program activities/field trips
  • Attend monthly scheduled meetings with UB advisors to discuss students’ academic performance
  • Students attend after-school tutoring at least one – four days per week

6-Week Summer Session

  • Students attend classes, workshops, and participate in a variety of electives
  • Students attend classes, workshops, and participate in a variety of electives
  • The UB 6 – week Summer Program has a residential or commuter option for participants 

Eligibility

We recruit students for UWM Upward Bound in their freshman or sophomore year of high school. The best time to apply is during the fall of the freshman year — applications submitted before the end of the first quarter are eligible to compete for placement. New student orientations take place in November and December.

Students who enroll in Upward Bound must be:

  • A potential first-generation college student (neither parent has completed a four-year college degree) And/Or
  • From a family that meets income eligibility guidelines as determined by the Department of Education
  • In the 9th or 10th grade
  • Attend a target school or be within the target schools’ service area 
    • Target Schools include Bay View High School, Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA), Rufus King International High School, Pulaski High School, Riverside University High School, South Division High School, Washington High School of Information Technology 

Preferences given to students:

  • Upward Bound gives preference to students who are willing to remain in the program through graduation from high school
  • Motivated to participate in all program activities and willing to work hard
  • Students must be willing to participate in UB during the summer and throughout the school year
  • Committed to attending college after high school

Registration

Upward Bound is currently at participant capacity and is no longer accepting applications at this time. Applications will re-open in the Fall of 2026.