Upward Bound

Overview

Upward Bound is a comprehensive program designed to assist potential first-generation college-going students prepare for college. Our mission is to help students achieve their individual educational goals of entering and completing the college pathway of their choice.

Why should I join Upward Bound?

Upward Bound programs serve nearly 50,000 high school students nationwide. Upward Bound impacts students' educational aspirations, postsecondary progress and persistence. Eighty-eight percent of Upward Bound graduates enter higher education institutions, including colleges and universities. Upward Bound participants are more than twice as likely to enroll in a four-year college or university and are four times more likely to earn a baccalaureate degree.

What does the Upward Bound program provide?

• Academic Support To assist in students being successful in their high school courses.
• College Campus Visits Include FAMU, USF, FSU, Savannah St. University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Full Sail University, and University of Tampa.
• Field Trips Both cultural and educational.
• Counseling Personal, academic, career, and financial literacy.
• Career Exploration Decision making, conducting interviews, writing resumes, organizing job searches and summer work-study.
• College Preparation Assistance in completing college applications, financial aid applications, application essays, scholarship applications and prep for college admission exams.
• Summer Enrichment Instruction in math, English, laboratory sciences, foreign language, field trips and work-study.

Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply 

All current 9th - 12th grade Bradford High School students are eligible to apply. Rising 9th graders are eligible to apply towards the end of their 8th grade school year for potential entry in the summer enrichment program.

Students must be potentially the first-generation in their family to attend college and meet the federal income guidelines. Students must demonstrate academic potential and have a desire to further their education after high school. Contact the Upward Bound advisor at your school for further information today.

• Be a United States citizen
• Be a potential first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor's degree)
• Meet the income guideline requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education
• Expected to actively participate in the program until high school graduation
• Must demonstrate academic potential for college
• Must have desire to further their education after high school graduation

Additional Information

Learn more about financial aid basics, and learn about standardized tests if you plan to attend a 4-year college or university.

Financial Aid Basics

Federal, state and local aid is available to help you afford a college education.

Federal student aid helps cover the cost of school expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are three forms of federal student aid:

1. Grants, which provide money you do not have to pay back;
2. Work Study, which allows you to earn money while enrolled in college to help pay for your expenses; and
3. Loans, which you have to pay back upon graduation.

EVERYONE should apply for financial aid using the student.aid.gov online FAFSA application. Current seniors can apply for FAFSA anytime after October 1st of their senior year and should plan to have it submitted by December of their senior year. There are a few federal student aid programs that have limited funds, so be sure to apply as soon as you can once the FAFSA is available for the year you'll be attending school.

Remember do not pay to have an individual or company complete your FAFSA form or provide a scholarship search for you! This is a service that Upward Bound provides at no charge and we will also provide you with all the information you need to locate financial aid options on your own.

For more information, visit Filling out the FAFSA for more information.

Standardized Tests

2023-2024 ACT Dates and Deadlines
act.org/content/act/en/register-for-the-act.html 

2023–2024 SAT Dates and Deadlines
satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines 

Information about Phases and Additional Benefits

The Santa Fe College Program Upward Bound operates in two phases each year.

• Academic Phase The Upward Bound program provides academic support during the school year at Bradford High School and at scheduled monthly Saturday sessions. Supplemental academic support will be available after school via face-to-face or Canvas in a live session.
• Summer Phase The Upward Bound program also provides a six-week summer program to enrich students academically as well as providing opportunities for educational and cultural experiences.

Additional benefits of the Upward Bound program include

• College Admissions Assistance The Upward Bound program assists students with completing college applications, college financial aid, and scholarship applications, and helping with college admissions essays.
• College Tours The Upward Bound program provides college campus tours for students to in-and out-of-state colleges and universities.
• Cultural Experiences The Upward Bound program provides students with the opportunity to attend cultural experiences (museums, plays, workshops, concerts, etc.).

Notable Upward Bound Alumni

• John Quinones – Journalist (ABC “Prime Time Live,” “What Would You Do?”)
• Angela Bassett – Actress (“911”, “Black Panther”)
• Viola Davis – Actress (“The Help,” “How to get away with Murder”)
• Oprah Winfrey – (Talk Show Host, The OWN Channel, Entrepreneur)
• Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – Music Producers (worked with Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, etc.)

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