{"id":31,"date":"2024-07-05T19:53:40","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T19:53:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/?page_id=31"},"modified":"2026-04-09T12:37:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:37:43","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"newExpandable\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-upward-bound\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablewhat-is-upward-bound\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-is-upward-bound\">What is Upward Bound?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-is-upward-bound\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-upward-bound\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>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\u2019s primary goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in postsecondary education.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-much-does-the-program-cost\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablehow-much-does-the-program-cost\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-much-does-the-program-cost\">How much does the program cost?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-much-does-the-program-cost\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-much-does-the-program-cost\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>TRIO Upward Bound is funded by the Federal Department of Education; because of this, our program is completely free to students and their families.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-many-students-participate-in-trio-upward-bound\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablehow-many-students-participate-in-trio-upward-bound\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-many-students-participate-in-trio-upward-bound\">How many students participate in TRIO Upward Bound?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-many-students-participate-in-trio-upward-bound\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-many-students-participate-in-trio-upward-bound\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>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:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/programs\/trioupbound\/funding.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/programs\/trioupbound\/funding.html<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-do-i-apply\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablehow-do-i-apply\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-do-i-apply\">How do I apply?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-do-i-apply\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-do-i-apply\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>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.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhy-are-parents-required-to-submit-financial-information-is-this-information-passed-on-to-other-agencies\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablewhy-are-parents-required-to-submit-financial-information-is-this-information-passed-on-to-other-agencies\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablewhy-are-parents-required-to-submit-financial-information-is-this-information-passed-on-to-other-agencies\">Why are parents required to submit financial information? Is this information passed on to other agencies?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablewhy-are-parents-required-to-submit-financial-information-is-this-information-passed-on-to-other-agencies\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhy-are-parents-required-to-submit-financial-information-is-this-information-passed-on-to-other-agencies\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>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\u00a0<strong>confidential<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingdoes-upward-bound-improve-a-students-ability-to-get-into-college\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandabledoes-upward-bound-improve-a-students-ability-to-get-into-college\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandabledoes-upward-bound-improve-a-students-ability-to-get-into-college\">Does Upward Bound improve a student\u2019s ability to get into college?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandabledoes-upward-bound-improve-a-students-ability-to-get-into-college\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingdoes-upward-bound-improve-a-students-ability-to-get-into-college\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p><strong>Absolutely!\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-long-will-i-be-in-upward-bound\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablehow-long-will-i-be-in-upward-bound\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-long-will-i-be-in-upward-bound\">How long will I be in Upward Bound?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-long-will-i-be-in-upward-bound\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-long-will-i-be-in-upward-bound\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>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!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-does-upward-bound-operate\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablehow-does-upward-bound-operate\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-does-upward-bound-operate\">How does Upward Bound operate?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablehow-does-upward-bound-operate\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-does-upward-bound-operate\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>Upward Bound consists of two components: Academic Year and a six-week summer program.\u00a0 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\u2014including 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!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingif-a-parent-has-a-bachelors-degree-may-i-still-participate\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableif-a-parent-has-a-bachelors-degree-may-i-still-participate\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableif-a-parent-has-a-bachelors-degree-may-i-still-participate\">If a parent has a bachelor\u2019s degree, may I still participate?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableif-a-parent-has-a-bachelors-degree-may-i-still-participate\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingif-a-parent-has-a-bachelors-degree-may-i-still-participate\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingif-i-enroll-in-the-mtsu-upward-bound-program-does-this-mean-i-have-to-attend-mtsu-once-i-graduate-high-school\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableif-i-enroll-in-the-mtsu-upward-bound-program-does-this-mean-i-have-to-attend-mtsu-once-i-graduate-high-school\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableif-i-enroll-in-the-mtsu-upward-bound-program-does-this-mean-i-have-to-attend-mtsu-once-i-graduate-high-school\">If I enroll in the MTSU Upward Bound Program, does this mean I have to attend MTSU once I graduate high school?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableif-i-enroll-in-the-mtsu-upward-bound-program-does-this-mean-i-have-to-attend-mtsu-once-i-graduate-high-school\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingif-i-enroll-in-the-mtsu-upward-bound-program-does-this-mean-i-have-to-attend-mtsu-once-i-graduate-high-school\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>No, not at all. While some students may choose to attend MTSU, it is certainly not a requirement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingduring-the-2-weeks-summer-residential-experience-who-stays-in-the-dorms-with-the-upward-bound-students\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableduring-the-2-weeks-summer-residential-experience-who-stays-in-the-dorms-with-the-upward-bound-students\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableduring-the-2-weeks-summer-residential-experience-who-stays-in-the-dorms-with-the-upward-bound-students\">During the 2 weeks summer residential experience, who stays in the dorms with the Upward Bound students?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableduring-the-2-weeks-summer-residential-experience-who-stays-in-the-dorms-with-the-upward-bound-students\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingduring-the-2-weeks-summer-residential-experience-who-stays-in-the-dorms-with-the-upward-bound-students\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>The Upward Bound Academic Coordinator will stay in the dorms, along with four Resident Advisors (RA&#8217;s) and an Area Coordinator who oversees the dorm.\u00a0The residential staff enforce the rules, keep an eye on the students, and plan activities. They are basically &#8220;on call&#8221; at all times. Adult supervision exists on a 24-hour basis when Upward Bound students are in residence during the summer program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217; academic, social and personal progress. The instructors provide weekly (sometime daily) reports on students\u2019 academic progress and classroom interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Male and female students reside on separate floors of the dormitory and are not permitted on opposite gender floors.&nbsp; 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwill-upward-bound-be-a-good-fit-for-me\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablewill-upward-bound-be-a-good-fit-for-me\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablewill-upward-bound-be-a-good-fit-for-me\">Will Upward Bound be a good fit for me?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablewill-upward-bound-be-a-good-fit-for-me\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwill-upward-bound-be-a-good-fit-for-me\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>If you want to go to college, but don&#8217;t really know all the steps it&#8217;ll take to get there, then Upward Bound is for you. If your grades are good, but can be better, or if they&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional questions? Contact our Upward Bound staff!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Additional questions? Contact our Upward Bound staff!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-bannernosidebar.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-31","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":126,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31\/revisions\/126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/upward-bound\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}