Many high school students are looking for a better way to insure success in college. If you are one of these students and are thinking about continuing your education after high school at a four-year college, Indiana Wesleyan University's Upward Bound Project can help you gain the skills you need.
Upward Bound offers year-round involvement in summer and academic year programs by providing a variety of academic, social and cultural activities. Continuous assistance is given from the time of entrance through completion of high school and college admission.
Upward Bound has two phases each year -- Academic Year Component and Summer Component. It also offers a special program, for seniors called the Bridge Component.
Academic Component (September-May)
The academic component includes:
Weekly tutoring and study sessions.
Twice-monthly meetings at Indiana Wesleyan University. These include academic instruction, testing, guest lectures, recreation, etc.
Cultural and educational trips, such as visits to other university campuses, museums or attendance at concerts.
Summer Component (June-July)
The summer component includes:
A six-week residence on the IWU campus.
Intensive morning academic classes in Math, Science, English and afternoon electives such as Drama, Computer Fundamentals, Job Shadowing, Spanish for Fun, Goal Setting, Decision Making, etc.
Evening recreation and activities.
Mandatory weekends for Olympiad activities with a different university host each year.
A trip to a large metropolitan city such as Chicago or Cincinnati.
Bridge Component
This is open to graduating seniors.
As a senior, you will participate with the Upward Bound students during the summer phase, while earning up to six hours of college credit at Indian Wesleyan University.
Credit can be transferred to another college or university.
Who Qualifies?
To become an Upward Bound student you must be in the eighth through tenth grades (sophomore year) of high school and meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
Being first generation (neither of your parents has a bachelors degree).
Coming from a low-income family as determined by standards set by the U.S. Department of Education.
Showing you have the potential and motivation to succeed in college. A 2.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a college-bound curriculum should be maintained while in the Upward Bound program.
Possessing a strong desire to attend college.
Having the support and commitment of your parents.
How Are the Students Chosen?
Upward Bound seeks the student who may have average grades, but who, in other ways, shows potential for successful achievement at a post-secondary level, or the above-average student who would probably not go to college without the support of Upward Bound.
After the student completes the application and an assessment of his or her potential is received from a teacher or guidance counselor, a member of the Upward Bound staff will interview the prospective applicants and meet with their parents.
Upward Bound's History of Success
As of 1997, more than 90 percent of Upward Bound students in the U.S. continued their education at the college level. These and other nationwide statistics illustrate the success of students who have participated in Upward Bound projects.
Rules for acceptance and participation in this program are the same for all, without regard to race, color, or national origin.
Who Will Be Involved in the Program?
Students from a five-county area will be eligible to participate. Schools represented are Blackford, Kokomo, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, and Wabash.
How Do I Apply?
If you think you might be interested in the Upward Bound program or want to apply, contact your school counselor. You may also contact the Upward Bound office at Indiana Wesleyan University.
UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM
Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S. Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953-4974
CALL
1-765-677-2935
1-800-332-6901 ext. 2935
