Upward Bound is a free college preparatory program for qualified high school students. Through Upward Bound, students develop the skills and motivation necessary to ensure their high school graduation as well as enrollment and success in college. Students and their parents must meet the program's eligibility requirements to participate.
To be eligible for Upward Bound, students must be entering the ninth or tenth grade at one of the following schools: Groton High School (Groton, NY), Elmira Free Academy (Elmira, NY), or Southside High School (Elmira, NY). They must also be at least thirteen years old and younger than eighteen at the beginning of the next Summer Residential Program. They must be considered economically or academically disadvantaged and a potential first generation college student.
To be considered economically disadvantaged, the student's family must meet low-income criteria as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount. You can access the low-income criteria by clicking here.
Academically disadvantaged students are those who are having difficulties in school, but who could develop into candidates for postsecondary education.
A potential first generation student is one neither of whose parents have received a bachelor's degree.
Participating High School Websites
Reminders
Summer Session
Info Nights
Elmira – April 22nd
Groton – April 23rd