Mission

The goal of Southwestern University’s Upward Bound program is to provide first-generation college bound high school students with academic support services and activities that will enhance their academic skills. Thereby, ensuring that they will complete high school and enroll in and complete a program of post-secondary education. SU Upward Bound will prepare them academically and socially for enrollment, and completion of higher education.

About TRIO:

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

Upward Bound Program Objectives:

1. 95% of participants served during the school year will have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a four-point scale at the end of the year.
2. 50% of UB seniors served during the project year will achieve at the advanced level on state assessments in English Language Arts and Math
3. 95% of project participants served during the project period will continue in school for the next academic year, at the next academic level, or will graduate from secondary school with a diploma
4. 60% of all current and prior year UB participants, who at the time of entrance into the project had an expected high school graduation date in the school year, will complete a rigorous secondary school program of study and graduate in that school year with a regular secondary school diploma (AP courses)
5. 85% of all current and prior UB participants, who at the time of entrance into the project had an expected high school graduation date in the school year, will enroll in an institution of postsecondary education by the Fall term following high school in an institution of higher secondary education, or gain acceptance with deferred enrollment until the next academic semester (e.g. Spring Semester)
6. 50% of all participants who enrolled in a program of postsecondary education, the Fall term immediately following high school graduation or by the next academic term (e.g. Spring Semester) as a result of acceptance by deferred enrollment will attain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree within six years following graduation from high school.