Upward Bound Overview

Upward Bound helps young people and adults prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition, foreign languages, mathematics, and science on college campuses after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer.

The Upward Bound Project at Texas Christian University provide the opportunity to participate in a college preparatory program to students enrolled in the Fort worth Independent School District. Numerous students who have been a part of the program over the past 19 years are now successful teachers, lawyers, and business people. Upward bound is an opportunity to guarantee success to those who are selected for participation and who are willing to dedicate themselves to hard work and commitment to the project.

Purpose Of Upward Bound

Upward bound is a college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Program is designed to generate the knowledge, skills and motivation for success in post-secondary school. The program offers after-school and weekend instruction in college preparatory English, Mathematics and Science for those who would be first-generation college students.

Eligible Participants

Participants must be students from FWISD high schools who are in the ninth, tenth or eleventh grade and who meet federal eligibility requirements. Generally students who have completed the ninth and have not completed the eleventh grade are accepted before other students. Seniors are not eligible.

Federal Requirements

Two-thirds of the TCU Upward Bound participants must meet income criteria and must be first generation college students. One-third of the students may be either low-income, first generation college students, or physically handicapped. All participants must be citizens of the United States or permanent residents. All students must have the potential for success in post-secondary school but must also have need for academic support and/or assistance to assure entrance into and success in college. First generation college students are those neither of whose parents have completed a bachelor's degree.

How the Program Works

During the school year the program provides academic services to the students on weekly basis. Enrichment classes are held on Saturdays and offer special work in mathematics, reading, grammar, and computer science. The program offers after-school tutoring twice a week and provides students with access to a computer education lab two days each week, after school. Extensive counseling services are provided in the areas of academics, career exploration, and personal needs. Participants who are seniors in high school are assisted with the college admissions process. This includes the completion of applications for admission and financial aid. Each student's Academic abilities are evaluated annually and an educational plan to meet his or her needs is prepared. Students have access to many of the facilities on the TCU campus. This includes athletic facilities, the library, and entertainment programs.
During the summer students must participate in a six-week residential program. Students live on campus in supervised residence halls and take part in academic, enrichment, and recreational activities. Students go home on weekends. The summer program assists students in obtaining the skills and motivation necessary to succeed in post-secondary school. Students attend lectures, classes, and field trips designed to meet the goals of the program. Participants who have graduated from high school are enrolled in six hours of college courses at no cost. After the completion of this summer term of college the students has completed his participation in Upward Bound.

Cost of Program Participation

There is no cost to the student. The United States Department of Education and TCU pay all costs. Students also receive a stipend for active, regular participation. A small travel allowance is given to students for attendance at scheduled activities.

Application Information

New participants are recruited through the high school counseling offices and The Working Connection. Students may obtain applications in March from their high school counselors or by writing the Upward Bound Office at TCU. Completed applications must be returned by announced deadlines and students must take the entrance test. Students will soon be able to fill the applications online on this web site. No Student is denied admission to Upward Bound because of religion, race, ethnic or national origin, sex, or physical handicap.

Contact Margaret Faust m.faust@tcu.edu for the application process