Upward Bound

The Upward Bound Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a federally funded (U.S. Department of Education) TRIO college preparatory program with a design to generate in its participants the skills and motivation they need in education beyond high school. Upward Bound provides unique academic, career, and leadership opportunities for qualifying high school students who express an interest in pursuing college and demonstrate the potential to succeed in post-secondary education. Upward Bound grants currently serve approximately 956 programs nationwide and in Puerto Rico with over 70,000 students.

Providing the Tools to Build Academic Skills, Emotional Intelligence, and Social Success in High School, College, and Beyond The mission of TRIO and Upward Bound serves to address and help develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities that college demands. Students achieve program goals through a well-developed academic and career readiness curriculum. Through workshops, tutoring, and advising, we are partners fostering the formation and pursuit of intellectual goals and well-developed leadership skills.

It is also important to note that we are a resource; however, parents are the most vital support our students can have. Parents whose children participate in Upward Bound are required to support the program and their child’s involvement. By working together (program, students, and parents), we can prepare a better future for our scholars.

 

 

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. To view the guidelines, visit https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html
  • In the 9th or 10th grade
  • Enrolled in one of the target area schools:
    • Bay View, Hmong American Peace Academy, Marshall, Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Riverside, South Division, Washington, and Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning; or within the target school service area

Requirements

  • 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.
  • Upward Bound gives preference to students who are willing to remain in the program through graduation from high school.
What We Offer

Upward Bound provides participants with intense academic development, career exploration, personal support, decision-making, leadership development and direct exposure to the college environment. Students participate in the program from the time of acceptance through high school graduation.

Six-Week Summer Session

Participation in a required six-week pre-college summer program (June through July) on the UW-Milwaukee campus. Students attend classes according to grade level.
Other opportunities during the summer include:

  • Experiencing college life and making new friends.
  • Electives such as photography, self-defense, swimming, and study skills.
  • Improving communication skills and leadership training.
  • Field trips to explore academics, careers and college campuses.

Program Details

Upward Bound provides information and assistance with college applications, scholarships and financial aid. Monthly meetings with advisors to address academics, college, career and personal challenges keep students on track. Guidance is provided for high school seniors through the college application process with direct supervision. Additionally, assistance for parents and students navigating the financial aid process are program goals. Students may earn monthly stipends of up to $40 during the school year, and a weekly stipend of $10 during the six-week summer program, for satisfactory participation.

Academic Year

During the school year, students attend weekly tutoring, academic skill building, and computer lab sessions. Plus:

  • College Visits and Campus Tours
  • Career Exploration
  • Researching Majors and Minors
  • College Placement Assistance
  • Pre-ACT Instruction
  • ACT Practice Testing
  • National TRIO Day Celebration

The pursuit of higher education is part of the ultimate goal of earning a college degree.

How to Apply & Application Instructions

To apply to become part of the Upward Bound program, click the link below to begin. If your school blocks outside email messages, please use your personal email address or Gmail.

Upward Bound Program Registration

If you prefer to have an application sent to your email as a PDF or a paper copy mailed to your home, please email your request to us at upward-bound@uwm.edu

Staff Bios

 

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Contact Us

Office Information

414-739-5046
upward-bound@uwm.edu

Mitchell Hall Rm. 205
3203 N. Downer Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mailing Address

Upward Bound
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413

 

Christina Garza  Pre-College Services Manager
414-229-3139
cgarza@uwm.edu

Dan Chatfield  Pre-College Services Advising Specialist
414-229-6513
chatfield@uwm.edu

Raven Avery-Moore  Pre-College Services Advising Specialist
414-251-5634
averymo2@uwm.edu

Jacob Amidon Program Coordinator
414-977-7696
amidon@uwm.edu

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