• What is the philosophy of Upward Bound?
• What are Upward Bound's objectives?
• How does Upward Bound work?
• Will I earn money while in Upward Bound?
• What happens after I graduate?
• How do I apply for Upward Bound?
• Contact Us

Upward Bound, started in 1973 at UNC Pembroke, is a pre-college program designed to generate skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond secondary school. It is designed to help low-income individuals who are potential first generation college students in need of academic support.

What Is The Philosophy Of Upward Bound?

The students and staff of Upward Bound believe that motivation is the prerequisite for learning. Consequently, Upward Bound doesn't just teach to, but instead "turns on" students. Upward Bound attempts to utilize the personal strengths of each student with the hope that each student discovers individually the worth of education.

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What Are Upward Bound's Objectives?

• To assist and encourage capable students to become interested and successful in school in order to pursue a college education.
• To provide an atmosphere for students to develop a positive self-image.
• To assist students in becoming successful in school through one-on-one and group tutorials.

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How Does Upward Bound Work?

The Upward Bound program is composed of three phases: Summer Residential, Academic Year/Follow-up and Bridge Program.

Phase I: Summer Residential

• Approximately 65 students from high schools in Robeson and Hoke Counties will participate in a Six-Week Residential Program at UNC Pembroke.
• Students choose academic classes as well as interest courses for a total of six hours of classes a day. Curriculum emphasis is on involvement in class discussion and on exposure to new ideas.
• Typical classes include: English/Literature, Chemistry/Physics, Biology, Algebra thru Pre-Calculus, Computer Science, Critical Thinking, and Foreign Language.
• Interest courses may include: Physical Education, Music, Drama, Dance, Art, and Careers.
• Discussion groups or "rap sessions", formed under the supervision of college upperclassmen referred to as tutor mentors, will offer opportunities for sharing problems and experiences with other students and staff. In addition, the program will provide personal, academic, college and vocational counseling.
• Evenings are reserved for individual study, group activities, organized recreation (swimming, skating, co-ed basketball, softball and volleyball) and relaxation. Timely films and speakers on various topics of current interest are scheduled weekly.
• All university facilities are available to Upward Bound students. Room and board is provided in the college residence halls for both students and the residential staff. The rooms are comfortable doubles.

Phase II: Academic Year/Follow-up

• Upward Bound does not end with the summer residential program. It continues through the high school years until the participant has graduated and has entered college or some other form of continuing education.
• The Upward Bound staff will be available throughout the year to assist participants in personal, educational, and vocational planning.

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Will I Earn Money While In Upward Bound?

During the summer and academic year, a small stipend is provided to students who participate on a full-time basis. In order to receive the stipend, the participants must show evidence of satisfactory participation in Upward Bound activities. This small stipend, given weekly during the summer and monthly during the academic year, assists with covering some of the participants' personal and social expenses.

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What Happens After I Graduate?

Phase III: "Bridge"

• The summer following the Upward Bound students' graduation from high school is referred to as the "Bridge" summer. The program allows the student to get a head start on college by taking seven hours of courses during one session of summer school at UNC Pembroke.

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How Do I Apply For Upward Bound?

Upward Bound seeks out students high in potential but in need of academic support to raise their level of performance in order to graduate from high school with sufficient preparation to successfully enroll in college. The program helps students visualize themselves in a post-secondary institution setting.

The students are recruited jointly by the Upward Bound staff, local high school counselors, teachers and administrators, interested community agencies and individual citizens.

Guidelines have been set and the target population has been identified in order to best meet the goals of Upward Bound. Therefore, students who are interested in Upward Bound must meet the following criteria:

• Freshman, sophomore or junior in high school.
• Low family income and potential first generation college student.
• Show a need for academic assistance offered by Upward Bound.

Please print, complete and return the application to Upward Bound.

• Application (PDF)

The free Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the application.

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Contact Us

Upward Bound is located in the D.F. Lowry Building. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

For more information, contact Upward Bound at 910.521.6276.

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