Frequently Asked Questions

TRIO Upward Bound is a college readiness program that provides academic and personal support to first generation and/or modest income students in grades 9-12. The program provides opportunities, information, and a social community, all of which support students in their pursuit of continuing their education after high school. Upward Bound’s primary goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in postsecondary education.

TRIO Upward Bound is funded by the Federal Department of Education; because of this, our program is completely free to students and their families.

Across the nation, there are approximately 966 Upward Bound programs, serving more than 70,000 high school students! Our MTSU Upward Bound program serves 60 students from the following high schools: Community High School and Shelbyville Central High School in Bedford County, and LaVergne High School and Smryna High School in Rutherford County. (Data: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/trioupbound/funding.html)

Complete the online application. The application requires information about you, your parents (tax and income), and teacher and counselor recommendations. Upon receiving all these materials (as well as your high school transcript), the Upward Bound Team will assess your application and invite you and your parents to participate in an interview if your information aligns with the requirements for the program. Upon completion of the interview, the staff will determine whether to accept you into the program. 

Upward Bound is a federally funded program that *requires proof of eligibility* from its applicants. Personal information such as SSN and tax information will NOT be forwarded or shared with others. All information is completely confidential.

Absolutely! Most Upward Bound students success comes from their personal determination to work hard and also from their commitment to fully utilize the resources Upward Bound provides. These opportunities include academic advising, study tips, college/career counseling, personal mentoring, peer support, college tours, and travel experience.

Upward Bound is a commitment. All students who join our Upward Bound program stay with us from the time they are admitted until they graduate from high school. By committing to our program, you are committing to your college education!

Upward Bound consists of two components: Academic Year and a six-week summer program.  Throughout the Upward Bound program, students can strengthen their academic and life skills through tutoring, academic advising, study skills sessions, and financial literacy workshops, while also learning the tools for college success—including how to prepare and apply. They will also attend campus visits, listen to career speakers from relevant fields, learn about college entrance exams (ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER), how to apply for financial aid/scholarships, and much more!

Students may be considered for admission if they demonstrate a need for the program services (as determined by Federal Program Guidelines) even if they are not a potential First-Generation college student.

No, not at all. While some students may choose to attend MTSU, it is certainly not a requirement.

The Upward Bound Academic Coordinator will stay in the dorms, along with four Resident Advisors (RA’s) and an Area Coordinator who oversees the dorm. The residential staff enforce the rules, keep an eye on the students, and plan activities. They are basically “on call” at all times. Adult supervision exists on a 24-hour basis when Upward Bound students are in residence during the summer program.

The summer staff consists of the Upward Bound administrative staff, four resident advisors, and instructors. The administrative staff and residential advisors meet daily to discuss students’ academic, social and personal progress. The instructors provide weekly (sometime daily) reports on students’ academic progress and classroom interaction.

Male and female students reside on separate floors of the dormitory and are not permitted on opposite gender floors.  Students are also not permitted to be off campus during the 2 weeks unless supervised by an Upward Bound staff member or immediate family member/guardian.

If you want to go to college, but don’t really know all the steps it’ll take to get there, then Upward Bound is for you. If your grades are good, but can be better, or if they’re great but you want a challenge, then Upward Bound is for you. If your grades are not the best, but you have the desire to succeed academically and can fully commit to the program and the work, then Upward Bound is for you. If you would like to be around other high school students who have the same educational goal, and students who support each other and help each other, then Upward Bound is for you.