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Services
Meet Our Staff
Meet Our Staff
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Upward Bound Programs consists of five federally funded grants that collectively serve 369 students each year from nine target high schools in eight counties.  UBP staff work with students in many areas providing program opportunities for its participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

Our Programs

In 2022, Upward Bound Programs added two new projects - Upward Bound Altoona (UBA) and Upward Bound Clairton/McKeesport (UBCM) - joining the three existing programs - Upward Bound (UB), Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) and Upward Bound Hazleton/Reading (UBHR) in the Hazleton, Mifflin County, Mount Union, Newport, Reading, and Steelton-Highspire high schools.  All five projects are federally funded through 2027.

Upward Bound Programs Summer StudentsWho qualifies?

Through an application process, Upward Bound Programs staff will consider students who:

  • Attend school in one of the following districts with which the Programs work:
    • Altoona
    • Clairton
    • McKeesport
    • Hazleton
    • Mifflin County
    • Mount Union
    • Newport
    • Reading
    • Steelton-Highspire
  • Are currently enrolled as a freshmen or sophomore
  • Have a demonstrated academic need
  • Possess the ability and desire to pursue education after high school
  • Come from families where parents/guardians did not graduate from college.

Our Achievements

Over 800 Students

75% College Enrollment

50% College Graduation Within Six Years

Upward Bound Programs, which include Upward Bound, Upward Bound Altoona, Upward Bound Clairton/McKeesport, Upward Bound Hazleton/Reading, and Upward Bound Math and Science, are offered through federal grants totaling $1,882,008 annually through the U.S. Department of Education, with facilities and administrative support provided by The Pennsylvania State University. Upward Bound Programs also have partnerships with organizations in the communities served.