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Upward Bound

Improve high school performance and graduation rates

The purpose of Upward Bound is to reinforce the academic skills and generate the personal motivation necessary to complete a college education. Specifically, the program is designed to improve high school performance and graduation rates, as well as the rate at which students enroll in and graduate from a college of their choice.

 

Target area of Upward Bound

The Upward Bound on the Harding University campus is funded to serve 65 high school students within White and Woodruff counties. Specific high school districts being served during the current 2022-2027 grant cycle are Augusta, Bald Knob, McCrory, Riverview and White County Central. Students residing in those counties or enrolled at one of the target schools may apply for admission.

 

Who is eligible for Upward Bound services?

Students must have completed the 8th grade, be between the ages of 13 and 19, and have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education. All students must be either from low-income families or be potential first-generation college students. The program requires that two-thirds of the participants in a project must be both low-income and potential first-generation college students. The remaining one-third must be either low-income or potential first-generation college students. Students are selected based on recommendations from local educators, social workers, clergy, or other interested parties. See more information on grants.

Interested students may request information from the Upward Bound Program offices on the Harding University campus. Information is also available in the high school counselors’ offices.

HU UB Phone: 501-279-4170

Most students will be enrolled during their 9th grade year. Since participants are encouraged to remain with the program through high school graduation and college enrollment, there will be a limited number of new students accepted each year.

Interested students complete an application package and submit it through their high school counselors to the Upward Bound Director. When Upward Bound staff verifies that all qualifications have been met, a personal interview is arranged for the student and a parent(s). Students who meet all qualifications, including academic goals and willingness to commit, are invited to become a part of the Upward Bound (based on the number of openings available).

 

How is Upward Bound funded?

The program is funded through a multi-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education. There is no cost to participating students or their schools for UB services.

Upward Bound students - how you can help US help YOU!

Maintaining the funding for Upward Bound is dependent on submitting statistical reports. The UB Staff will maintain contact with students after their high school graduation until they have completed college or some other form of post-secondary education. The staff cannot remain in contact with students... if we don't know where you are. If you are a HU UB graduate please fill out the Alumni Tracking form above with your current contact info! We appreciate your help. By keeping us up-to-date on your progress you are helping provide UB opportunities to other high school students.

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Contact Information


Upward Bound
501-279-4170