Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies?
Through an application process, Upward Bound Programs staff will consider students who:
- Attend school in one of the following districts with which the Program works:
- Altoona
- Clairton
- Hazleton
- McKeesport
- Mifflin County
- Mount Union
- Newport
- Reading
- Steelton-Highspire
- Are currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
- 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.
How does a student apply?
How and when do participants get services?
- Students attend biweekly meetings at their high schools. These meetings focus on tutoring and study- and academic-skill development.
- Program advisors visit each student at his/her high schools regularly for individual consultations.
- Students participate in all-day programming at University Park and other Penn State Commonwealth campuses on up to six Saturdays during the academic year. Transportation, meals, and and a stipend are provided.
- A six-week residential program is held on the University Park campus. Participants experience life in a college residence hall, take academic courses, visit numerous college campuses, and participate in a variety of educational, recreational, and social activities.
What does Upward Bound Programs expect of its participants?
- Enroll in challenging college-preparation courses in high school.
- Maintain at least a “C” grade in all academic courses.
- Attend all Upward Bound Programs school-based meetings and attend UBP's Saturday programming at University Park. (Absences for school-related activities are excused).
- Register for and take the PSAT, SAT, and ACT before deadline.
- Apply to Penn State and other colleges before deadline.
- Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) financial aid application to the Upward Bound program advisor before the program's deadline.
- Attend Upward Bound Program's six-week summer academy.
What are the benefits of participating in Upward Bound Programs?
- Academic and career counseling
- Advising related to course scheduling
- Information about careers and colleges
- Help in defining personal and career goals
- Tutoring
- Study skill development
- PSAT, SAT, and ACT test preparation
- Fee waivers for the, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and college applications
- Cultural and recreational opportunities
- Opportunities to meet students from other high schools and backgrounds
- Visits to college campuses
- Stipends at various events for those who meet program requirements
- Assistance with completing college applications
- Help for parents/guardians and students in completing financial aid applications
- Assistance in identifying alternative scholarship sources
- Summer opportunities for strengthening leadership and independent living skills
- Summer classes, field trips, workshops, activities
- Weekly stipend money for participating in summer session
- Summer bridge program that enables a few qualified program graduates to earn 6 Penn States credits during the summer after they graduate
