Upward Bound Programs East

Upward Bound Programs East consists of three federally funded grants that collectively serve 249 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

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 Hazleton/Reading (UBHR)

Upward Bound Hazleton/Reading (UBHR) assists ninth- through twelfth-grade students with 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 UBHR program serves students in Luzerne and Berks counties.

Our Target Schools

  • Hazleton High School
  • Reading High School

Academic Year Services for All UBP Participants

During the school year, students participate in Upward Bound Programs through individual and group meetings in their home schools and by attending programming at University Park and other Penn State campuses. In all 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
  • Team-building

UBP seniors receive additional support throughout the college application process. Fee waivers for college applications are also available.

Families of Upward Bound, Upward Bound Hazleton/Reading, and Upward Bound Math and Science 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 of graduating participants are invited to the last Saturday Program in the spring to celebrate the year’s successes.

Summer Academy 2025 for Participants In Good Standing

This year's Academy takes place from June 16 through July 28, offering both residential and virtual opportunities for eligible participants.

Virtual and Residential Summer in a Nutshell -

  • Virtual Week June 16-18
  • Residential June 22-27 – on Altoona Campus
  • Virtual Week June 30-July 3
  • Residential July 6-11 – on Berks Campus
  • Virtual Week July 14-18
  • Residential July 20-25 – on University Park Campus
  • July 28 - End of Program Cultural Trip

Virtual weeks will occur between the residential weeks and will feature synchronous and asynchronous courses with a variety of programming, field trips, town halls, and college visits.

Various educational, cultural, and recreational activities and workshops are offered focusing on:

  • Study skills
  • Financial aid
  • Time management
  • Choosing a major
  • Leadership development
  • Team-building activities