Pre-college Programs

What is Upward Bound?

Per the U.S. Department of Education, “Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. 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 [income eligible] families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree [first-generation students]. 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” (U.S. Department of Education, 2023).

 

 

Upward Bound students outside the Otter Student Union, 2022.

 

Upward Bound students at the Etiquette Dinner over the Summer Residential program, 2022.

 

Upward Bound students from North Monterey County High School, 2023

Mission Statement

The Upward Bound (UB) program at CSU, Monterey Bay promotes the acquisition of awareness and knowledge, advocacy towards accessibility of resources, and the development of self-authorship towards students wanting to pursue an education at an institution of higher education and contribute towards the global community.

 

 

 

Upward Bound student from Watsonville High School, 2023

Vision

The UB program recognizes itself as a pre-college program that aims to serve and support the multifaceted student population(s) and identities present in education to facilitate the development of critically conscious, socially-just, and holistic emerging leaders entering institutions of higher education and beyond.

Values

The UB program values itself upon the following set of values and recognizes that ongoing reflection of these values is key to ensure all efforts are student centered, data informed, and data centered:

• Student-centeredness
•  Self-Authorship
• Asset-Based Leadership
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J. E. D. I.)
• Holistic Development
• Mutual Respect
• Critical Consciousness
• Sense of Community

 

Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search at the Student Leadership & Equity Conference at Fresno City College, 2022

Services

• Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in high school and beyond
• Academic, financial, or personal counseling
• Tutorial services
• Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
• Information on post secondary education opportunities
• Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications
• Assistance in preparing for college entrance and placement exams
• And much more!

Upward Bound students from Soledad High School, 2023