Upward Bound Services

Academic Year Services

Monthly On-site Meetings

On-site meetings are held one Saturday each month in Zehmer Hall at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise campus. All students are expected to attend every On-site meeting. On-sites are scheduled from August through April and typically last from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students and parents will be given an Academic Year Calendar with that year’s schedule of upcoming On-site meetings, activities, and pick-up times at the start of each school year.

One-on-One Advising Meetings

Each student is required to meet one-on-one with the UB advisor for their grade level once per month. Students are responsible for reaching out to schedule their meetings. Completion of these meetings earns students part of their participation stipend.

In-School Visitation

Twice per month, a member of the UB staff will visit each high school to provide services to current students and to recruit new participants. Services provided include academic advising, guidance in course selection, college counseling, tutoring services, obtaining grade reports, and acting as liaison for the Upward Bound office. Students will be asked to complete a worksheet activity during school visits. This is part of the requirement to earn their full participation stipend.

College Advising

Upward Bound aids with college selection, admissions requirements, financial aid, essay preparation, and the scheduling of college tours. These services are intended to provide students with the tools needed to choose a post-secondary program that will help them attain their long-term goals.

Residential Summer Program

Each summer, Upward Bound offers an immersive, six-week residential program designed to give participants a taste of college life. The residential component takes place on the campus of UVA Wise and is designed to simulate a college experience. Students attend “classes” in actual college classrooms, reside in campus residence halls, eat meals in the cafeteria, and are given access to other facilities on campus, such as the library and recreational facilities. Students are placed in summer classes based on which classes they will be taking in the upcoming school year, as well as their performance during the preceding academic year. These courses include mathematics through calculus, laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), Spanish, English composition, and literature. The summer program also aims to cultivate professional aspirations within students through career exploration, work-study opportunities, community service, and personal development workshops. Additionally, students are treated to a wide variety of cultural enrichment activities and recreational programs to keep them active and motivated. The summer program culminates in a trip to reward students' hard work and attendance.

Bridge Program

The Upward Bound Bridge Program is designed to ease the transition from high school to college. The program is offered to Upward Bound graduating seniors who are enrolled in college for the upcoming fall semester of their graduating year. Bridge students are offered two transferable college courses for three credit hours each. As with the regular summer program, Upward Bound pays all expenses, tuition, travel, and room and board for participants. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BRIDGE PROGRAM:

  1. Must be a current UVA Wise UB participant
  2. Must graduate high school during the current school year
  3. Must have been accepted to UVA Wise
  4. Must have submitted the FAFSA
  5. Must provide satisfactory verification of college enrollment for the fall semester

Additionally, preferential consideration will be given to students who have met these UB obligations: (All dates apply to the student’s senior year.)

  • Graduate with a cumulative GPA of 2.5+
    • Apply to UVA Wise by December 1
    • Take the SAT or ACT before January 1
    • Submit the FAFSA by February 15
    • Successfully complete at least one dual enrollment course before the spring of their senior year
    • Provide a copy of their financial aid award letter
    • Avoid having two consecutive unexcused absences from UB Onsites during their senior year
    • Earn all credits shown on the UB Participant Expected Course Completion list (see page 16)

Stipends

Upward Bound students earn a stipend for their participation in the program. All stipends are issued twice per school year at the end of each semester in the form of a check made out to the participant. Students must be on UB’s current enrollment list at the time stipends are issued in order to receive their check. At the start of each semester, students are given a stipend checklist of tasks. Completion of each task earns the student a specific dollar amount for the semester. Participants may also earn a stipend during the summer by attending UB's residential summer program.

College Tours

Upward Bound gives students the opportunity to visit various college campuses, meet with admissions counselors, and speak with current students. Upward Bound will periodically plan group college visits that may serve as activities during the year, however, students interested in a particular college or university should inquire about getting assistance with scheduling a more personalized visit.

Cultural Activities

The academic and summer components are reinforced through supplemental activities and field trips. Cultural events, plays, museums, historical landmarks, and colleges help expose students to new experiences and opportunities.