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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 apply

      join 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
        -Goal-setting & progress monitoring
        -Course selection & individualized planning
        -UB staff members working at PHS
  • Program Structure
        -UB courses at PHS (9th & 12th grade)
        -Advisory/LINKS Group 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 summer positions!

Please click below for more information and to apply.

Employment

Fall 2024 Programs:

October 25-Garrett College & Frostburg State University
October 25-Phipps Conservatory & Carnegie Mellon University
November 11-Indiana University of Pennsylvania
November 11-PennWest California & Waynesburg University

Spring 2025 Programs:

March 21-Washington & Jefferson College
March 22-West Liberty University
April 21-22-Philadelphia, PA Trip

2025 Summer Program:

Rising Senior Academy (June 22-July 11)
Summer Experience (June 22-July 11)
Summer Bridge and Rising Senior Early Start (June 22-August 1)


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