FAQ for Upward Bound

  • What is the purpose of the Upward Bound (UB) Program?

    •  The Upward Bound (UB) Program Project EDGE provides explicit academic support to eligible Edgewater High School students, 9th thru 12th grade, so they may complete high school, enroll in college, and successfully obtain a college degree. Funded by the U. S. Department of Education’s TRIO Programs Division, qualifying participants are from families who meet federal income guidelines and who are first- generation college students, which means neither parent obtained a four-year college degree

  • What is the cost of the Upward Bound Program?

    •  There is no financial cost for students to participate in the program. The only cost is the student’s time and commitment to the UB program. All academic and program services provided to students, to include the six-week summer program, trips, and tutoring, are free. However, the UB program does not cover “personal” purchases during travel events or the summer program

  •  What are the benefits of joining the Upward Bound Program?

    •  The UB Program provides comprehensive services to high school students, recognizes that every student is unique, and uses an individualized approach in working with them and their parent /legal guardian. The commitment from the UB Program is lengthy – starting at the time the student enters the program throughout high school, college, and beyond. The UB staff works with students individually and in small groups to address their needs. Also, students are encouraged and supported in their efforts to reach their academic potential, to learn from others and their cultures, and to identify and meet realistic goals. Students benefit from the receipt of the following:
      • Have a personal Academic Advisor geared to help you succeed in high school and beyond;
      • Receive assistance with the admission and financial aid processes, preparation for standardized tests (SAT and ACT) and exposure to cultural and college activities; and
      • Participate in an intensive 6-week academic experience (Summer Program)

  • How many high school students are selected each year?

    •  Annually, the UB Program serves 60 students.

  •  Who is eligible to participate?

    •  To participate, students must: attend Edgewater High school, meet the federal income qualifications, meet the criteria for being a first-generation college student, or have an academic need as determined by the Project EDGE Coordinator. The academic need determination is based on the historical analysis of the student’s academic grades and transcript. Also, students must be willing to meet the program’s high academic expectations, as well as have and maintain a grade point of average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.

  • What kind of commitments must students and families make if they wish to participate in the program?

    • The UB staff seeks to build a robust working relationship with each student and their parent(s)/legal guardians, so it is essential to strongly consider the program’s purpose, academic services, time commitments for the school year and summer program, and the importance of open communication. In committing to the program, students must attend and actively participate in all mandatory sessions, to include Saturday classes, and turn in all required documentation by established deadlines. The parent(s)/legal guardians are required to participate in Financial-Aid and Financial Literacy workshops. Moreover, students must exhibit appropriate behavior at all UB events and respect UB staff, peers, tutors, and themselves at all times. Students and parents will sign a contract pledging their agreement to uphold UB standards upon entering the program.

  • How does a student apply for admission?

    • Each fall, the Program Coordinator conducts an informational session where students receive a program overview, academic expectations, and an application packet. Since recruitment only occurs once a year, it is essential for the application and required supporting documentation to be returned by the established deadline date. All students who apply will receive a written response as to their application status

  • Why do you need my child’s social security number?

    • The federal government requires us to collect social security numbers to track students through college graduation. All information is secured in our office

  • Why do I need to turn in my 1040?

    • Upward Bound, by federal regulations, must have proof that a family meets the low-income financial guidelines

  • How are the students selected?

    • Students are selected based on the approved program application, an interview with the Program Coordinator, and available program slots. Please note that it is mandatory for all students to meet either the federal income guidelines or first-generation status requirements for program consideration. If admitted to the UB program, students and their parent(s)/legal guardian are required to attend a New student orientation (failure to attend will forfeit your acceptance). Following the New Student Orientation, students will begin active participation in the program

  • What happens if a student does not receive an acceptance letter? 

    • Students who did not receive an acceptance letter may be placed on a waiting list and will receive notification when an opening becomes available. Please note that some students will receive a rejection letter due to not having met the federal income guidelines or academic requirements. These students can reapply the following year

  •   Does the UB Program provide transportation?

    •  Transportation is only provided during group activities such as trips to museums or college tours that take place during the school year or summer program. Transportation is not provided for Friday events and Saturday classes

  • Do I reapply to Upward Bound each year?

    •  No. Upon admission, students are in the UB Program until they graduate from high school or decide to terminate their participation in the program

  • What kinds of services/activities does the Upward Bound Program provide for students?

    •  During the school year, students receive:
      • Academic tutoring to enable them to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;
      • Advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection;
      • Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications;
      • Information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships;
      • Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students’ parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education;
      • Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth; and
      • Information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the
    • During the Summer Residential Program, students receive the services provided during the school year in addition to:
      • Experiencing a simulated college experience by residing on the University of Central Florida’s campus for a week and utilizing the university’s student facilities;
      • Engaging in a college readiness academic curriculum – English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, and SAT/ACT prep courses;
      • Engaging in professional development and career assessment workshops;
      • Traveling to tour different college campuses; and
      • Participating in the Florida TRIO Olympics where students compete against other Upward Bound Programs.

  • There are two components of the Upward Bound Program – school year and a summer residential program. Are the students required to participate in both components?

    •  Yes. During the school year, students must attend weekly tutoring, workshops, and Saturday classes, which are held twice a month, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Edgewater High School. Students who are not seniors should commit to participating in the summer residential program to gain the simulated experience of college life. However, due to the limited number of summer program slots (25), the selection of students is by invitation only, which is determined by the student’s overall academic performance and program attendance and behavior during the school year.

  • Why must the students reside on campus for the Summer Academic Program? Are students allowed to leave campus to work or visit their families during the week? Can the students have visitors?

    •  The UB Program is required to offer students who have met program standards and who have not yet graduated from high school a six-week academic/residential experience each summer. The summer residential program, which includes room and board, meals, instruction, tutoring, and activities sponsored by the UB program is free to selected students. The students will reside on the University of Central Florida’s campus for one week, and the remaining five-weeks will consist of weekly day camps at Edgewater High School. By residing on campus, students can focus on their academic and personal development in a structured environment. During the residential week, students are not permitted to leave campus unless it involves a UB sponsored activity nor can they have visitors, to include family members and friends. A well-supervised, structured summer program affords students the opportunity to reside and learn in a supportive campus community. The UB experience sets high expectations for students and provides services for students to reach their potential.

  • Does Upward Bound provide financial support for participants attending postsecondary education?

    • No. The UB Program provides resources and assistance in helping students and their parent(s)/legal guardian locate financial resources to aid them in paying for their postsecondary education. For example, but not limited to, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Does my participation in the Upward Bound program guarantee me admission into the University of Central Florida?

    •  No. The UB program is a federally funded program and cannot guarantee admission to any postsecondary institution. If a student is interested in attending the University of Central Florida, we can help facilitate the process. However, the student must meet the requirements of the university admission’s office.