Upward Bound

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a federally funded program designed to prepare students for entrance into college/post-secondary education and beyond.

What is TRiO?
The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs.

How does UB do this?
UB offers many services to its students.

Tutorial Services
Academic and Financial Counseling
Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
Mentoring programs
Information on post-secondary educational opportunities
Assistance in completing college entrance exams
Work Study positions to expose participants to careers requiring a post-secondary degree
Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school

All of these services are to support the students in their growth, academically, physically, mentally, and emotionally

What are the eligibility requirements for UB?

High School student (rising 8th grader to senior year) and
Low Socioeconomic Status: Federal guidelines must be met and/or
First Generation: Neither parent has obtained a Bachelor's Degree

What schools/area does UB target?

Manual High School
Peoria (Central) High School
Richwoods High School
The UB Program targets District 150

What is expected of me as a member of UB?

Attendance at all scheduled meetings
3 hours per week of tutoring
2 workshops per month
Maintain a specified GPA for your grade level

What are the benefits of being a participant?

Receive above average grades
Cultural exposure
Create lasting friendships
Explore colleges
BE A STEP ABOVE YOUR PEERS

How long does the program last?
Once you are accepted as a participant of UB, you will continue to be a member until you graduate, unless guidelines are not met and you are terminated.

How successful is the program?

Received the highest grant fund available
Nationally known and recognized
95% of participants enroll in college prep core curriculum courses
90% of participants show an average educational growth of at least one year for courses required for college entrance
90% of high school graduates in the program enroll in a post-secondary education program
85% of participants enroll in a foreign language and receive a grade of "C" or better
85% of parents or guardians participate in a minimum of two program sponsored events each year and meet with the students' counselors
97% of UB participants achieved at the proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.
90% of UB participants continue to participate in the program during the next school year.
100% of UB participants enroll in programs of postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following their expected graduation date from high school.

Is it only for students?
No, parents and/or legal guardians are highly encouraged to participate and attend the meetings. We do have a special Parent Advisory Group and a Parent Alliance Group for those parents and/or legal guardians wanting to participate.

What happens after I graduate high school?

The summer directly after, you will take a total of 3 transferable credit hours from ICC.
We will work with you in deciding which college to attend, filling out entrance applications and financial aid applications, and all other items needed for successful admittance into the college of your choice.
After being admitted to your college, we then pass you on to the "college level Upward Bound" called Student Support Services. Please check out ICC's TRiO Student Support Services