Upward Bound, the oldest of a series of programs known as TRIO programs, was
created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" in 1964. TRIO
created programs that seek to provide educational opportunity for all Americans
regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance.
The Upward Bound Program began at Cornell University as a pilot program in 1965. Due to unforeseen circumstances Cornell lost their grant in 1966. However, in 2008, Leonardo Vargas-Mendez, Executive Director of the Public Service Center and Stephen Hamilton, Associate Provost for Outreach were instrumental in bringing Upward Bound back to Cornell University in the Fall of 2007.
The areas to be served, Elmira and Groton, reflected high rates of poverty and evidenced lower levels of educational attainment, as required of any TRIO grant. Upward Bound was officially launched in the spring of 2008.
Cornell University Upward Bound (UB) features a yearly 6 week residential, intense
academic component held at Cornell University during the summer. During the academic
school year all 50 students have 1;1 meetings with either the Director or Assistant
Director at least twice a month, weekly tutoring session and a fun, but educational
Saturday program monthly. UB participants also partake in cultural enrichment
trips, college visits and have access to assistance in the college exploration
/ transition process.
The staff of Upward Bound also realize that in order for anyone to reach their full potential, family, community support and healthy, positive interactions with all -- are vital pieces of the puzzle. Therefore, any collaboration between UB, family members, and community organizations is strongly encouraged!
Quick Fact:
Students in the Upward Bound program are 4 times more likely to earn an undergraduate
degree than students from similar backgrounds who did not have Upward Bound's
support and resources.
Reminders
Summer Session
Info Nights
Elmira – April 22nd
Groton – April 23rd