For Parents

As the parent/guardian of an Upward Bound Programs participant, you are essential in supporting your student's academic success!

Encourage your students to:

  • participate actively in all UBP events and programming
  • attend school regularly
  • study at home
  • seek enrollment in a post secondary educational program

Event Schedule

  • Students attend monthly meetings at their high schools focusing on tutoring and study- and academic-skill development.
  • Program Advisors visit each student at his/her high schools several times a year 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 and meals 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.

Expectations

  • Enroll in challenging college-prep 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 counselor before the program's deadline.
  • Attend Upward Bound Program's six-week summer academy.

Benefits

  • 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 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
Related content
  • Apply Below
    Students accepted into Upward Bound Programs typically have the following: * A desire to pursue post-secondary education (university or technical school) * A minimum of a 2.5 GPA (C or 80% average) * Regular attendance in high school (no unexcused absences or excessive tardies) * No disciplinary actions, suspensions or dismissals at school