Upward Bound

San Diego City College Upward Bound Program is now accepting applications for the current Academic Year!

Select link below to complete new student application: Upward Bound New Student Application

STEPS TO APPLYING TO THE

San Diego City College UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM

Step 1: Open the respective link and complete the electronic application (Paper applications are available upon request).

Step 2: Keep the submission confirmation page sent to your email.

Step 3: Sign-up for student and parent interviews upon notification from staff.

Step 4: Allow up to 1-2 weeks for the San Diego City College Upward Bound staff to review your application.

Step 5: Receive a letter about program acceptance.

The Mission

San Diego City College Upward Bound mission is to motivate and prepare every student who are socially and economically underrepresented in higher education. In order to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

The Vision

San Diego City College Upward Bound serves as a path in helping students excel in all facets of life. Upward Bound's vision is to produce students who will impact their families and communities as a result of their participation in educational, social, and cultural services offered by the program. 

Program Goals

The goals of San Diego City College Upward Bound are to:

• Empower socially and economically challenged students to successfully graduate from high school
• Aid students and families in the college admissions process
• Motivate students to enroll in and graduate from an institute of postsecondary education
• Enrich students' lives academically, socially, and culturally. 

Academic Year/Summer Program

Upward Bound offers an Academic Year component in which students receive supplemental instruction in academic, cultural, and social areas, as well as a Summer Program - a rigorous six-week instructional program at the college campus during the summer. All services are provided through a federally funded grant and are free to the participants.

Academic Year Component

Students receive numerous services that enhance their social and academic development, including:

• Instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, foreign language and other subjects necessary for success in high school

• Academic, financial, and personal counseling

• Exposure to cultural events

• Mentoring

• Tutoring

• Assistance with postsecondary opportunities.

Summer Program Component

Participation in the Summer Program receive the services offered during the Academic Year in addition to:

• Career exploration

• In-person instruction on the campus of San Diego City College for six weeks

• Enrollment in courses taught by college professors to receive a true college experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1 - What is Upward Bound?

The Upward Bound program provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. Guided by the belief that education should be available to all persons with the potential to succeed at that level, the program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in high school academic performance and subsequent higher education pursuits. The goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education, enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Question 2 - How much does the program cost?

There is absolutely no cost to participate in the Upward Bound program. As a federally funded program, all costs are paid. However, the program does not cover personal purchases (i.e. souvenirs).

Question 3 - Who is eligible to participate?

Individuals are eligible to participate if they are in the 9th or 10th grade during the enrollment period and attend San Diego High School. All applicants must meet the income and/or first-generation status requirements to be considered for the program.

Question 4 - How many high school students are eligible to participate?

San Diego City College Upward Bound is funded to serve 60 students.

Question 5 - What does the admissions process entail?

All prospective students must complete an application for admission. In addition, applicants are interviewed by members of the Upward Bound staff.

Question 6 - When does the enrollment period begin and end?

The San Diego City Collee Upward Bound enrollment period begins in March through May of each year. Individuals selected begin actively participating in the program in October.

Question 7 - How are students selected?

Applicants are selected based on a combination of factors: completed application, essay, recommendations, grades, need, and interview. However, all applicants must meet the income and/or first-generation status requirements to be considered for the program.

Question 8 - When are new admits required to begin?

Applicants will be notified by the end of September. If admitted to the program, students and parents are required to attend a New Student Orientation. Following the New Student Orientation, students will begin active participation in the program.

Question 10 - What are the program's expectations for participants?

Participants are expected to commit to Upward Bound until they graduate from high school. In committing to the program, students should attend all mandatory sessions and turn in all required documents at the time they are due. Additionally, students are required to exhibit appropriate behavior at all UB sponsored events and respect UB staff, peers, and themselves at all times. Students and parents sign a contract pledging their agreement to uphold UB standards upon entering the program.

Question 11 - What services are provided to current participants?

Upward Bound offers an Academic Year component in which students receive supplemental instruction in academic, cultural, and social areas, as well as a Summer Program - a rigorous six-week instructional program at the college campus during the summer. All services are provided through a federally funded grant and are free to the participant.

Academic Year Component

Students receive numerous services that enhance their social and academic development, including:

• Instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, foreign language and other subjects necessary for success in high school
• Academic, financial, and personal counseling
• Exposure to cultural events
• Mentoring
• Tutoring
• Assistance with postsecondary opportunities

Summer Program Component

The Summer Program participants will receive the services offered during the Academic Year in addition to:

• Career work-study and exploration
• In person instruction on the campus of San Diego City College for six weeks
• Enrollment in courses taught by college professors to receive a true college experience

Question 12 - Does Upward Bound provide financial support for participants attending postsecondary education?

No. However, Upward Bound will provide resources and materials to help students/parents pay for their postsecondary education. For example, but not limited to, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Question 13 - What are the benefits of joining Upward Bound?

Some of the benefits associated with joining our program include:

• Access to a personal Academic Advisor geared to help you succeed in high school and beyond
• Exposure to cultural and college activities
• Participation in an intensive 6-week academic experience
• Preparation for standardized tests (PSAT, SAT)
• Assistance with the admission and financial aid processes

Question 14 - Do I reapply to Upward Bound each year?

No. Once accepted into Upward Bound you are in the program until you graduate from high school.

Question 15 - Does my participation in the San Diego City College Upward Bound program guarantee me admission into the university?

No. The Upward Bound program is a federally funded program and cannot guarantee admission to any postsecondary institution. If a student is interested in attending universities, we can help facilitate the process. However, the student must meet the basic requirements of the university admission's office.