What do we do?

Once you're accepted into Upward Bound, you are expected to attend both the school year and summer components.

During the school year participants attend Saturday sessions for 25 weeks (we're off on school holiday weeks), where you'll receive tutoring, supplemental classes and academic advising, along with the opportunity to participate in field trips, learn new computer skills, and enjoy the Rollins facilities.

Instructional services focus on math, science, foreign language and English reading and writing. Participants also meet with program advisors. These sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs. It is crucial that you bring homework and graded tests on Saturdays!

During the summer component, participants attend a six-week residential session which introduces them to the fun and flexibility of college life. Your personalized morning class schedule will give you a preview of the next year of high school. Afternoon classes prepare you for college and the SAT/ACT tests, along with an elective class of your choosing (choices may include: radio broadcasting, art, science experiments or dance). Evenings are for tutoring sessions and activities on and off campus (with supervision). During the week you will be living in a real college dorm (populated with only Upward Bound students and our adult resident assistants), with your weekends spent at home. Field trips and college visits are scheduled toward the end of the summer session.

Upward Bound Services and Activities

We provide students with exceedingly valuable services during their high school career.

Additionally, since Upward Bound is a campus-based program, program participants have access to the College's Olin Library and other resources. Upward Bound students are encouraged to participate in on-campus cultural activities and special functions, just as our college students do. The Rollins College Upward Bound program is designed to introduce you to the flexibility and independence you will find in college, with the safety and guidance of high school.

• six-week summer residential program, simulating the college experience
  academic advisement
• tutoring
• supplemental classes during the school year
  summer head start classes
• goal-setting and decision-making techniques
  monitoring of academic progress
• motivational and informative guest speakers
• career exploration
• college and university tours
• assistance with the financial aid process, including reasearching scholarship
• FAFSA workshops
• assistance with college applications
• individualized assistance with personal, social, familial and developmental concerns
• college entrance exam assistance
• standardized test result interpretation
• weekly stipend
• cultural and educational field trips
• ACT/SAT prep
• a community of young, motivated learners

Upward Bound is authorized by the Higher Education Act and is funded by the U. S. Department of Education. For the 2009-2010 year the Rollins College Upward Bound program funding level is $312,947.