The Hughes Elite Scholars Upward Bound program is a federal TRIO program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. 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.
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All programs and activities are specifically designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in post-secondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youth, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system.
Students receive tutorial sessions by certified teachers after school. The core curriculum subject areas for tutorial sessions are: English/literature, mathematics, science, foreign language and college preparatory courses. Personal, career, and academic counseling is also provided. Additional academic instruction and workshops are held once a month on Saturdays at the perspective schools. Attending weekly tutorial and Saturday sessions builds scholastic confidence and provides students with an holistic perspective of life.
Each summer, UB students who have good standing with program expectations will attend a three-week commuter phase at a participating college/university. While attending, participants will gain a head start on the core curriculum areas for the coming academic school year. The second phase is a two week-long residential experience at a participating college/university in Mecklenburg or surrounding county. Participants reside on campus and have access to all educational and recreational facilities. Daily workshops/seminars are conducted by certified teachers and community leaders.
Upon high school graduation, UB students can earn up to six (free) college credits by enrolling in the UB Summer Bridge program (this is only for prior UB students). After students graduate from high school and enter college, the UB program will continue to make contact with students for five years. If the student has dropped out and desires to go back, UB will assist them through community resources for college reentry. All UB students will be recommended to the federal program, (SSS) Student Support Services to assist in navigating college life, course advising, career internships and options after graduation.