I just wanted to say that I am so thankful for all of the time and resources that you have allotted to me. Mr. Hobbs, I am so thankful to have met you because you and Mr. Frazier are the ones who invited me to be a part of this wonderful program. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity of being able to participate in Hughes Elite Scholars Incorporated. Throughout this great program, in which I have already begun recommending other students like myself to join, I have participated in many SAT preparatory sessions, virtual college tours, and received numerous tutorial stipends.  This program has truly offered me the opportunity of a lifetime and I have met such gracious people, whom I cherish, such as Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Frazier, and Ms. Andrews. They have been so compassionate when giving their time and effort to improving our ways of learning and preparing for our lives after high school. Even though the pandemic, they kept us motivated and helped us maneuver through the challenges that came with school and many health problems. All of you 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 you have done for me and for the many lives that you have truly blessed.

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.

"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."  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.