FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound is an academic program that focuses on developing the skills to be successful in high school and college. The program strengthens academic skills in English, literature, science, mathematics, foreign language and technology. The U.S. Department of Education and The University of Iowa fund the Upward Bound Project.

UB students practice teamwork.

How much does Upward Bound cost?

All services are provided free to eligible participants.

How is the Upward Bound summer program different from the program during the academic year?

The academic year component of Upward Bound meets weekly at schools served by the program. The summer program is at The University of Iowa. Students live in residence halls on campus. Participants take classes taught by certified teachers that prepare them for a successful high school experience and provide them with a strong academic foundation for college level work. Upward Bound participants are expected to take part in both the academic year and the summer components of the project.

Who supervises participants when they are at the University of Iowa?

Upward Bound participants are supervised at all times by adults that are trained by the Project. Upward Bound hires supervising adults at a ratio of 1 adult for every 10 participants during the summer program. During the summer, Upward Bound guidelines specifically outline behaviors that are appropriate and expected of students. Students that do not follow Project guidelines may be sent home from the summer program and may be dismissed from Upward Bound.

Are participants in Upward Bound successful in high school and do they enroll in college?

One hundred percent of Project participants graduate from high school and nearly as many (98%) begin college in the fall following graduation. Three times as many Upward Bound participants go to college as nonparticipating Upward Bound-eligible students.

Is the University of Iowa program the only Upward Bound in Iowa?

There are 17 Upward Bound programs in Iowa and over 500 programs in the United States. In addition to The University of Iowa program, Upward Bound can be found at Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Briar Cliff University, Central College, Coe College, Graceland College, Luther College, Simpson College, and St. Ambrose University, as well as at these community colleges: Iowa Lakes, Northeast Iowa (Calmar and Peosta), Southeast Iowa, Western Iowa Tech, Des Moines Area, and Indian Hills.

Who may apply to participate in Upward Bound?

Students who have completed the 8th grade or are in 9th or 10th grade in Burlington, Columbus Junction, Davenport, Fort Madison, Muscatine, or West Liberty. The U.S. Department of Education eligibility requirements include students whose parents do not hold a four-year college degree and/or meet U.S. Department of Education low-income guidelines. Admitted student must have the potential to succeed in college as evidenced by their grades in school, standardized tests, and recommendations from a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.

Applications are accepted during the academic year. The University of Iowa's Upward Bound Project serves a total of 99 students and accepts a maximum of 65 of those students in the summer.