TRIO Upward Bound

Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded program through the Department of Education that supports 60 students each year in their preparation for college admission. At Azusa Pacific University, UB provides holistic programming to potential first-generation to college students from Azusa High School who demonstrate academic potential. UB Scholars receive services that help them identify their strengths, explore their purpose, and thrive in academic and social settings. Further, UB Scholars graduate high school with the ability to navigate postsecondary institutions and persevere through adversity. As a result, UB Scholars will be empowered to advocate for themselves and achieve their educational goals.

Am I Eligible for Upward Bound?

To be eligible, the applicant must be enrolled at Azusa High School. In addition, each applicant must meet one of the following criteria:

Be a potential first-generation-to-college student (i.e., neither parent has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university)
Demonstrate financial need according to U.S. Department of Education guidelines
Demonstrate a need for academic support

If you have questions regarding your eligibility, contact Upward Bound at [email protected].

How Do I apply?

If you are interested in applying to the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Azusa Pacific University please send an email to [email protected] or call our office at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2441. Applications are released to Azusa High School students based on program availability.

Three times a year, TRIO Upward Bound produces a newsletter to communicate milestones, successes, partnerships, and outcomes with our community and partners. The most recent issue is available electronically below.

TRIO Upward Bound Newsletter - January 2019 (PDF)

TRIO Upward Bound Services

TRIO Upward Bound (UB) provides six key services to prepare UB Scholars for college admissions. UB partners with Azusa Pacific University and the Azusa community to provide high-quality services and implement high-impact practices.

Academic Tutoring

Upward Bound offers weekly after-school tutoring sessions for UB Scholars at Azusa High School. Tutoring sessions provide Scholars with supplemental instruction needed to succeed in A-G courses and provides the opportunity to pursue academic interests beyond their coursework.

Individual Academic Counseling

Upward Bound Scholars meet with program staff to develop their individual education plan, designed to help them achieve their educational goals. With the help of program staff, Scholars monitor and evaluate their individual educational plan progress. Academic counseling aims to address the holistic needs of students through conversations about course selection, college admission requirements, financial aid options, and personal, educational, and career goals.

Saturday Academy

Upward Bound hosts 13 academic-year workshops and supplemental instruction on Saturdays to provide Scholars with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in college. Supplemental instruction includes preparation for college entrance exams and state assessments. Workshops will cover topics such as financial aid, financial literacy, career exploration, college applications, study skills, time management, and self-advocacy. Students also receive instruction in mathematics, laboratory science, languages other than English, composition, and literature.

Campus Tours and Cultural Experiences

Upward Bound provides exposure to college campuses and cultural events throughout the year. These experiences include campus tours, plays, museums, and conferences. Participating in campus tours provides Scholars with opportunities to reflect on their academic and career plans. Culturally enriching activities, such as plays and museums, contribute to scholars’ appreciation of other cultures as well as their own.

Family Information Workshops

Upward Bound hosts meetings for UB Scholar parents and guardians to demystify the college-going process and empower them to make informed decisions about their child’s education. Family information workshops cover topics such as postsecondary education options, college admission requirements, financial aid, and the first-generation to college experience.

Summer Academy

Upward Bound provides a Summer Academy where UB scholars participate in academic enrichment courses in English literature and composition, mathematics, laboratory science, and languages other than English to prepare students for high levels of achievement in their subsequent academic school year. In addition, Scholars participate in recreational and personal development activities to prepare them for the rigors of college. This six-week Summer Academy will culminate with a one-week residential experience hosted at Azusa Pacific University, giving Scholars an opportunity to experience residence life on a college campus.