"A total learning experience involving home, school, and community.  The individuality of the students is stressed in both the academic and counseling sessions."

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    Upward Bound is one of the TRIO Programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  It is a college preparatory program designed to generate the skills and motivation for academic success in high school and beyond.  Upward Bound extends its service to high school students from families meeting the low income criteria and or potential first generation college students.  Upward Bound seeks to help students who have academic ability but who may not have the preparation, motivation or opportunity to realize or demonstrate their full potential.

    Since its inception at the University of the Virgin Islands in the summer of 1966, Upward Bound has helped many Virgin Islands' high school students progress towards their goal of higher education.  The individuality of the students is stressed in both the academic and counseling sessions.

    During the academic year, students benefit from weekly (Saturdays) and after school tutorial sessions as a supplement to the classes taken at the high schools.  Students work in small group or in one-on-one sessions, with their tutor or instructor.  Students are required to bring their textbooks, notes, quizzes, tests, and all other assignments to maximize the tutorial sessions.

    Upward Bound also offers academic and personal counseling sessions.  The academic sessions equip the students with useful information that is use to help them to make the most out of their high school careers.  The counseling sessions are used to discuss future plans, with emphasis on making an easy transition from high school to college.  Students also receive guidance in completing college and financial aid applications.

    Upward Bound offers a year-round educational program, which includes an Academic Year and a summer component.  The Academic Year Program is held on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters, and the Summer Component includes an intense 6-week preparatory program.  A dedicated staff of administrators, counselors, tutors,  resident assistants, and instructors are all involved to provide services that meet the students’ needs.

26 Saturdays are allotted for students to receive tutoring, counseling, and classroom instruction.  Additionally students are assigned after-school tutorial as is necessary.  Additionally, there are a host of extra-curricular activities planned to augment the academic program

Students will participate in an intense residential program for six weeks during the summer.  They will attend daily classes in composition/literature, math through pre-calculus, laboratory science through chemistry or physics, and foreign language.  They will also elect from among the following non-curricular offerings: steel pan, concert choir, drama, dance,  and beginning swimming.  Additionally, students will be exposed to wide variety of cultural enrichment, social, and recreational activities.

WHO SHOULD APPLY....

• Student must attend one of the high schools in the U.S. Virgin Island
• Student must be from a low-income family, as determined by the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Student must be a potential first generation college student.(Neither parent has obtained a Bachelor’s or higher degree)
• Student must have completed the 8th grade but have not yet entered the 12th grade.
• Student must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 or above Grade Point Average.
• Student must be enrolled in or agree to enroll in pre-college courses at his/her school.
• Student must have good behavior and attendance record at school

There is no cost to students who participate in Upward Bound, or to their families.  Moreover, as a member of the program, students receive a weekly stipend based on their compliance with Upward Bound rules and regulations as they pertain to attendance, punctuality, attitude, behavior, and participation in academic activities.

Eligible students and their parents/guardians will be invited for an interview.