Upward Bound is a nationally recognized program sponsored by the United States Department of Education at Illinois Central College. It's a program that you participate in throughout your high school career. Upward Bound is meant for students whose parents do not have a college degree or who make a certain amount of money each year. You must be between 13 to 19 years of age to be in Upward Bound.

Upward Bound involves some fun stuff--like trips to colleges and universities so you can see what's out there. It involves some serious stuff too--like learning how to study and improving your brain power.

You generally start the program when you're a freshman or sophomore and then you stick with it until you graduate. During the school year, you'll be expected to participate in special Saturday sessions and workshops, get tutoring in subjects that may be hard for you, and take college prep classes. In summer, you attend a 6-week non-residential program at ICC.