We believe every young mind should have access to the stepping stones of educational success.

There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.

-Amanda Gorman-

Everybody has talent, it's just a matter of discovering what it is.

-George Lucas-

If you care about what you do and work hard, there isn’t anything you can’t do.

-Jim Henson-

Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination.

-Mae Jemison-

Finish what you start. No matter how hard it feels to push through adversity, you’ll own the experience the rest of your life.

-Aaron Lauritsen-

Nothing that's worth anything is easy.

-President Barack Obama-
Hughes Elite Scholars Helps Students Fulfill Their College Dreams

Hughes Elite Scholars is a a non-profit agency providing year-round support for high school students who have the desire, motivation and potential to complete school and go on to pursue a college degree. Our Upward Bound and Pathways to Success programs help low-income and first generation students enter college, graduate and participate in our society economically and socially.

Be the First! CFNC Address College Prepping.

In preparation for the 2023-2024 school year, CFNC representative Timeka Ruffin will help students and parents be the first;  (1) to get awarded college financial aid, (2) complete the RDS,  (3) assist with navigating the CFNC website and its resources, and (4) help our students find scholarships as soon as . . .


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Tutorial Link

Teachers are the only ones who can complete the tutorial link.   . . .


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English Upward Bound Application

This is the Hard Copy Upward Bound Application that must be printed out and turned into your school counselor or social worker.  For direct and faster application processing, please complete the online application.  . . .


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Building Brighter Futures

I just wanted to say that I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity of being able to participate in Hughes Elite Scholars Incorporated. Throughout this great program, I have participated in many SAT preparatory sessions, and virtual college tours, and received numerous tutorial stipends.  This program has truly offered me the opportunity of a lifetime. The program leaders have been so compassionate when giving their time and effort to improving our ways of learning and preparing for our lives after high school. They have been a driving and motivational force throughout my high school and early college years and I just want to say thank you for all that they have done for me and for the many lives that they have truly blessed.

Brandon MonroeRocky River C/O 2021- UNC-Greensboro

Upward Bound has helped me by providing me with opportunities such as helping with standardized exams, college applications, and providing free SAT/ACT and application waivers. I love Upward Bound because not only does it provide me with these resources but it also gives me many lifelong friendships with those with similar situations as me. The kind staff of Upward Bound has always offered me their help when I’m in need and will continue to even in my future endeavors, which I am grateful for.

Anusha Kargool, Levine Middle College C/O 2021UCLA

"My son has always been a smart student, however, life experiences during his transition to high school, began to cause his grades to slip.  He seemed uninterested in succeeding in his studies and life in general.  When I attended the first open house for Rocky River High school, I met Mr. Hobbs, who was with the Upward Bound program.  I remembered several of my cousins participated in this in my younger days, and inquired about it for my son.  I enrolled him, even though he was reluctant.  Upward Bound and Mr. Hobbs, used a hands on approach, making sure he had food, and necessary materials to be successful in the program.  That made me and my son feel they personally invested in him.  Now, as a Junior, I have seen his grades rising, his responsibility increasing and his general anticipation of what life can provide for him is now evident, along with confidence to do his best."  

L. Robinson-Rocky River Parent

Upward Bound has helped me develop and grow in many ways since my Freshman year with the opportunities during summer to refine my skills for the following years, being encouraged to get tutored, and instilling the drive to seek more in my educational career. Upward Bound has made me the individual I am today the support I received from staff was phenomenal and I know the skills and opportunities I have met will take me far in life.

Alex Salinas, Rocky RiverUpward Bound

For me upward bound has helped me learn more about the curriculum I learn at school and it has helped me bring myself in communicating more with others. One of the things I like about upward bound is their love to help kids get a better future and spend time with them and what they need help on. And the staff is really supportive in what you need and also help you in any way they can they provide many things like tutoring, Summer classes, and stipends for you when you participate.

Alexis Robles, Rocky RiverUpward Bound

Upward provided a safe, educational space for my daughter. Not only was she learning but was gaining various experiences as well, college tours, living on a college campus, fun field trips, traveling to New York and taking in advice about jobs.The staff was welcoming and made connections.

Jamilla Lewis's Mom, Rocky RiverUpward Bound

Upward Bound has been a part of my high school career for 3 years now. I’ve learned many things, meet amazing teachers, staff, and students. Upward Bound has helped me improve my grades, have a better understanding, and I’ve learned to not be afraid to ask for help. My favorite experience was the summer program. I got to have early access to what I was going to learn the following school year. It helped me out especially in math because I struggle in math and it isn’t my strongest subject but with the help of Upward bounds summer program I passed the class with a B. I’m extremely thankful for Mr.Hobbs and Mr.Frazier they’ve been there since the beginning, making sure I’m doing tutoring, turning in assignments, having stuff prepared for college and answering all of my questions.

Arly Mejia, Rocky RiverUpward Bound

Upward Bound throughout my years in high school has helped me make my high school years easier. Every staff in this program is very helpful, caring and easy to talk too. They step out of their way to make sure you get what you need for example during the program they deliver food too our house,  bring our stipends to us, provide transportation for educational trips, gave us school supplies and COVID protection stuff like mask and gloves and hand sanitizer.

Osvaldo Mendez,Phillip O’BerryUpward Bound

Upward Bound has helped me in many ways such as, getting prepared for the next school year and me learning more of each subject, upward bound has encouraged me to go to tourtoring and it has helped my grades a lot, the staff are as nice as can be and will make sure any request or anything you would like is approved, they look over us as much as possible. Upward bound is also fun such as the tours we take and the trips and even just all being together.

Nay Bruton, Albemarle HighUpward Bound

Upward Bound has provided Asia with many opportunities such as internships, college information, and taking college courses while in high school that will help with transitioning to college.   Through Upward Bound Asia has learned to save and buy her own school clothes with monies received.  As a parent, I feel like I am not alone in preparing Asia for college, and the summer trips allowed us to bond as mother/daughter.  The staffs are professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and communicate very well.

Asia Amos’s Mom Mary Reed, East MecklenburgUpward Bound

Upward Bound has truly been a blessing to Lauren and I.  The summer program prepared her for the upcoming Junior year and the field trips were fun!  Upward Bound offers great incentives for those that participate. They serve the families that are part of the program by dropping off meals, provided much needed gift certificates and really do care for our teens.  This program has been great! 

Lauren Freeman’s mom Cynthia M, East MecklenburgUpward Bound

Upward Bound is an amazing program that helped me a lot in high school. I was confused and felt lost in my senior year, but Upward Bound guided me what to do to get into the college I want. It also provides tutoring and test preparation services to students who need help with their studies including myself. What I love about Upward Bound is the staff and their polite attitude and positive energy. I can't wait to see the upcoming events and services that Upward Bound offers.

An Le, Rocky River C/O 2021UNCC
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Did you know the Upward Bound program more than doubles the likelihood that students will enroll in a four-year college?

Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

  • Improve Academic Performance (GPA & Standardized Tests)
  • Promote Secondary School Retention & Graduation
  • Completion of Rigorous Academic Secondary Program
  • Post-Secondary Enrollment
  • Post-Secondary Completion

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