College Ready
Upward Bound is an educational opportunity and college access program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. WVU Upward Bound provides school year and summer programs and services to help students develop the skills and motivation necessary to achieve their goals, do well in high school, and enroll in and graduate from college. The program has been continuously funded since 2007.
Check out how you can applyjoin upward bound
Eligibility
Students must attend Preston High School and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Income-eligible as defined by the federal government (see the chart below).
- Family taxable income (line 15 of 1040 tax form) is at or below the amount listed:
| Family/Household Size | Taxable Income Level |
| 1 | $23,475 |
| 2 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $39,975 |
| 4 | $48,225 |
| 5 | $56,475 |
| 6 | $64,725 |
| 7 | $72,975 |
| 8 | $81,225 |
- Student will be the first generation to attend college (neither parent has completed a 4-year college degree).
Benefits
- Academic Support & Rigor
-Tutoring & hands-on academic programs
-Access to college-level coursework and instruction
-Pay for dual-enrollment courses and college credits
-Research and job-shadowing experiences
- Personalized Support
-Course selection & individualized planning
-UB staff members working at PHS
- Program Structure
-Advisory/LINKS Meetings
-After school sessions (weekly)
- College Preparation and Assistance
-Help with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid
-Transition to college
-SAT/ACT Prep
- Social Experiences
-Out of School Programs
-Campus Visits & Trips
-Residential Summer Program
- Free
-All services and programs are free to participants
- Stipends
-Earn up to $20 per month during the school year
-Earn up to $60 per month during the summer
-Earn up to $300 per month for summer work-study
- Track Record of Success
-Since program inception in 2007, 77% of UB students enrolled in post-
secondary education immediately after high school, which is 10 points higher
than the national college-going rate, 25 points higher than the state rate, and
36 points higher than the Preston County rate during the same time period.
employment opportunities
Upward Bound is currently hiring for after school instructor positions!
Please click below for more information and to apply.
Fall 2025
Out Of School Programs:
September 20-Leadership Activities, WVU Art Museum, Paw Paw Festival
October 24-College Visits-TBD
November 1-Mock SAT
Spring 2026
Out of School Programs:
Check back later for more information!
2026 Summer Program:
Rising Senior Academy (June 21-July 10)
Summer Experience (June 21-July 10)
Summer Bridge and Rising Senior Early Start (June 21-July 31)