Trio Upward Bound

The TRIO Upward Bound program is a college preparatory program for high school students from low-income households who have the potential to be first-generation college students. In existence at Baldwin Wallace since 1968, Upward Bound gives participants the tools they need to achieve their highest potential. As a TRIO program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, all services are free to participants.

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What is Upward Bound?

About the BW Upward Bound Program

"Students in the Upward Bound program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate college degree than students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO programs." - Council for Opportunity in Education

Photo of Trio Upward Bound Students at Bold & Gold Parade

Program Components

Academic Year

During the academic year, UB participants receive advanced tutoring in preparation for their end-of-year exams and college placement tests. They receive instruction in mathematics, science, composition and literature.

During the school day, Upward Bound staff are in high schools providing academic advising to UB students. They also network with educators to provide wrap-around educational services to Upward Bound students.

At the end of the day, students attend College Club to receive after-school tutoring. Participants receive exposure to a variety of educational and cultural events and activities during the summer and academic year.

Summer Academy

Summer Academy provides a simulated college environment to prepare students for the social and academic aspects of college life.

Participants live on campus for six weeks in residential halls and take college preparatory courses in mathematics through pre-calculus, chemistry, composition and literature, biology, and foreign language.

Special focus courses offered include media production and a seminar to prepare high school juniors for their senior year, and seniors for their bridge year. Bridge students are UB participants from the most recent graduating class enrolled in on-campus, credit-bearing college courses.

Benefits

How can Upward Bound help students?

Upward Bound gives students an opportunity to learn first-hand what college life is all about and helps the student to develop those skills necessary to succeed in college. The program emphasizes reading, writing, math, study skills, and science. Courses are taught by skilled instructors whose primary concern is the students. Personal, career and, academic counseling is also provided.

What are some of the other services provided?

Academic advising: helping you to schedule the proper courses to meet college entrance requirements
Fee waivers for ACT and SAT tests
College application fee waivers
Career exploration
College exploration
Financial aid assistance
Application fee waivers
Scholarship application assistance
College tour trips
Cultural outings to museums, sporting events, theater performances and other educational trips

Eligibility

Students interested in participating in TRIO Upward Bound at Baldwin Wallace University must:

1. Attend John F. Kennedy, John Adams, James F. Rhoades or Lincoln West High Schools in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
2. When entering the program, have at least a 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale
3. Have the desire and potential to enroll in college preparatory classes
4. Meet the federal criteria for a first-generation college student, which means that neither the parent(s) nor legal guardian(s) with whom the student resides has obtained a four-year college degree
5. Meet the federal criteria for low income

Costs to Students and Families

Is there any cost to students and their families?

No. Upward Bound is grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education. There is no cost to Upward Bound students. Monthly stipends are paid to students based on their participation and academic progress. During the summer program, Upward Bound provides meals, lodging and supplies. Spending money is optional during outings.

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