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About West Virginia University (WVU) Upward Bound (UB)

WVU Upward Bound is an educational opportunity and college access program that serves Preston High School (PHS) students who are income-eligible and/or will be the first generation to attend college (neither parent has completed a 4-year college degree).

The program has been continuously funded by the U.S. Department of Education since 2007 and aligns with WVU’s land-grant mission to advance education and prosperity by providing access and opportunity for West Virginians through community partnership and engagement.  

The program provides fundamental support to participants through school year and summer programs and services that empower students to develop the skills and motivation necessary to achieve their goals, do well in high school, and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary education.

Curriculum Framework

All WVU UB programming follows a curriculum framework with four domains as summarized below.

  • Academic Development
    • Content and strategies to help participants navigate high school, complete a rigorous program of study, and prepare academically for post-secondary education.

  • College and Career Preparation
    • Knowledge, skills, and tasks necessary to enter and graduate from post-secondary education and/or pursue a fulfilling career.

  • Social Development and Community Engagement
    • Instruction and experiences that assist participants in developing relationships and communities that are healthy, inclusive, and supportive.

  • Wellness and Personal Development
    • Knowledge, skills, and strategies that focus on healthy development and teach participants to thrive independently and effectively pursue a successful future. 

Program Structure and Requirements

All services provided by WVU UB are free to UB participants. Once accepted and enrolled in the program, participants will receive services throughout high school if they remain enrolled at PHS and remain in good standing in the program. 

Students participate in a variety of required and optional school year and summer programs as detailed in the link attachment above.