Upward Bound Programs East

Upward Bound Programs East consists of three federally funded grants that collectively serve 369 students each year from six target high schools in six counties.

Upward Bound (UB)

Upward Bound is a federally funded program that helps high-school students gain academic skills and motivation to continue their education beyond high school. At Penn State, the Upward Bound Program serves over 116 students each year from four participating high schools in Dauphin, Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Perry counties.

Our Target Schools

  • Mifflin County High School
  • Mount Union Area High School
  • Newport High School
  • Steelton-Highspire High School

Our Services

Tutoring, SAT prep, Development of study skills, Counseling about personal, academic, financial aid, and career concerns, Career exploration, Job shadowing, College tours, College application and financial aid help, Cultural opportunities including films, museum visits, theatrical performances, and sporting events, Trips to major cities, A six-week summer session held on Penn State University Park's campus.

Summer Academy 2023 Important Dates

  • Saturday - Students Arrive
  • Thursday - Students Depart 9:00 a.m.

Upward Bound Math and Science Program (UBMS)

The Upward Bound Math and Science Program (UBMS) at Penn State assists participating students in recognizing and developing their potential to excel in math or science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these fields. Penn State UBMS is funded to serve 73 eligible students in Berks County.

Our Target Schools

  • Reading High School

Upward Bound Migrant (UBM)

Upward Bound Migrant (UBM) assists ninth- through twelfth-grade students with migrant farmworker backgrounds gain academic skills and motivation in preparation for precollege and postsecondary success. Services include academic instruction in critical reading and writing, mathematics, and sciences as well as English language acquisition support, tutoring, mentoring, and counseling where appropriate. Penn State’s Upward Bound Migrant program serves students in Luzerne and Berks counties.

Our Target Schools

  • Hazleton High School
  • Reading High School

During the academic year, students participate in the Upward Bound Migrant program through individual and group meetings in their home schools and by attending programming at University Park. In both of these settings, students prepare for college by receiving academic guidance, career counseling, and tutoring. Trips to college campuses and other cultural activities are also included, as are workshops on various professional development topics.

Workshop topics include:

  • Study skills
  • Financial aid
  • Time management
  • Choosing a major
  • Leadership development
  • Teambuilding

Upward Bound Migrant seniors receive additional support throughout the college application process. Fee waivers for the SAT and college applications are also available.

Families of Upward Bound Migrant students are encouraged to actively participate in the program. Seminars for parents are scheduled throughout the year to keep families in the know about their child’s education. All families are invited to the last Saturday Program in the spring to celebrate the year’s successes.