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The Upward Bound (UB) Program is one of eight programs that make up the Federal TRIO Programs. Specifically, this program dedicates itself to providing academic assistance and financial support to high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The TRIO Upward Bound program’s aim is to prepare these students for college entrance. Additionally, the program provides continuous assistance to ensure that they perform well in college and complete their postsecondary education.
Types of Activities Supported in the UB Program
The average annual UB grant amount $321,079. The UB Program funds the grants in 5-year grant award cycles.
All UB grant-assisted programs must also provide students with assistance in certain specified areas. These include:
- Any advice and assistance with picking undergraduate and graduate classes that makes sense for the student’s field of choice.
- Appropriate academic tutoring that helps students to successfully complete their undergraduate or graduate classes.
- Academic help and instruction in reading, writing, science, mathematics, literature, laboratory sciences, foreign languages, and composition.
- Help with the college application process. Additionally, the program helps with completing and submitting college applications.
- College entrance exam prep. The prep also includes the SAT and ACT, and most schools ask for (though not all require) your SAT or ACT score.
- Help with understanding what Federal student aid financial programs are available, the eligibility requirements for each, and also how to apply to the applicable programs. Applying for financial aid is incredibly important, and we can’t stress enough about how everyone should apply.
- Information regarding private and public scholarships, their eligibility requirements, and also how to apply for each scholarship.
- Assistance with enrolling into GED (general education development) programs.
- Introduction to a variety of academic programs, cultural events, and other activities that disadvantaged youth do not get access to easily.
- Exposure to work-study programs. Work-study gives college students on-campus jobs and are part of their financial aid package.
- Information regarding alternative academic programs available to students who have not completed secondary school.
- Financial planning advice to students’ parents to help them understand the financial aid process and later affording college.
General Upward Bound Program Requirements
All students who are accepted into the UB Program must be from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes students from low-income families, and first generation students. Students with disabilities, homeless youths, and those in foster care are also eligible to receive assistance through this program.
In addition to the above, students must also be between 13 and 19 years of age, and must have completed 8th grade.
Social workers, local educations, or clergy recommendations are the basis for selecting students. Any student who thinks they are eligible for academic and financial assistance through the TRIO Upward Bound Program should contact their school’s guidance counselor to find out more details.
Requirements for Receiving Ongoing Assistance through the UB Program
Students who enter the program are also required to submit an APR or Annual Performance Report to the committee. The APR should also include documents and records that demonstrate that the student has made significant progress toward meeting their approved project goals.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
