Upward Bound at a Glance

History:

Funded under The Higher Education Act of 1965, Upward Bound and other Title IV programs are part of the federal government's effort to expand employment opportunities and promote equality for individuals who traditionally have been underrepresented, particularly in the area of higher education.

Upward Bound, one of the oldest TRIO programs, is a highly successful college bound program which provides high school students with academic and cultural enrichment opportunities.

The Roanoke College Upward Bound Program has been in existence since 1966 and has served hundreds of students in the Roanoke area.

Mission:

The mission of the Roanoke College Upward Bound Program is to assist high school students in developing necessary skills for success in college through academic and cultural enrichment, career development, and personal growth.

Diversity:

Upward Bound (as well as all other TRIO programs) are committed to providing educational opportunities to students regardless of race, ethnic background, sex, national origin, or religion.

Selection Criteria:

Eligibility is based on family income, level of education obtained by parents (neither parent can have a four-year college degree), and student's overall interest in improving his/her academic skills. Recruitment is open to students enrolled in grades 9-11, who are between the ages of 14-18. Students are recruited annually each spring and fall. Interested students must complete the application process.

Target Schools:

The Roanoke College Upward Bound Program currently serves students who reside in Bedford County, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem City. Target area high schools include: Glenvar, Liberty, Northside, Patrick Henry, Salem, Staunton River and William Fleming.

Summer Component:

For six weeks during the summer, Upward Bound participants live on the Roanoke College campus, are involved in an intensive academic program, and receive instructional assistance in the areas of math, science, English, foreign language, SAT preparation, study skills, computer science, counseling, and physical education. In addition, students visit various college campuses, learn about the college admissions process, attend workshops, and participate in cultural enrichment activities.

Academic Year Component:

Upward Bound participants continue their relationship with the program during the academic year. Students meet on Saturdays (September-May) for academic assistance and counseling sessions. Upward Bound coordinators visit target area high schools on a regular basis. College visits and cultural activities are included during the academic year as well.

Success Rate:

Results of a 1981 study indicate that more than 90% of all Upward Bound graduates enter institutions of higher learning and are more than twice as likely to enroll in four-year post-secondary institutions. In addition, Upward Bound students are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those from similar backgrounds who did not participate in Upward Bound. Typically 90-100% of the Roanoke College Upward Bound participants retained through 12th grade graduate from high school. Close to 90% of the students retained in Upward Bound through 12th grade enroll in college.

For More Information:

Contact us at (540) 375-2245.

Our mailing address is:
Roanoke College
Upward Bound
221 College Lane
Salem, Virginia 24153