Project ACE

What is Project ACE?

Achieving Academic and Career Excellence (ACE)

What is Upward Bound? 

The University of Central Florida Upward Bound Program is a federally funded program (US Department of Education) for qualifying students at Apopka High School. Our goal is to assure that our participants graduate from high school, apply, and enter the college of their choice, secure financial aid/scholarships to pay for their college education, and graduate with a postsecondary educational degree. The program is based at the University of Central Florida, but a representative from the program will be at your child’s school on a regular basis throughout the year to talk with students about their educational goals and to help them identify and achieve their full potential for excellence. The program is 100% grant funded and all services are FREE to participants.

What services does Upward Bound provide?

Upward Bound projects provide academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.

Who is eligible to apply for Upward Bound Project ACE?

  • Currently enrolled at Apopka High School
  • First Generation student—neither parent/guardian completed a 4-year degree
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States (UB Regulation – Title 34 § 645.3)
  • Eligible for free or reduced lunch as determined by TRIO Federal Income Guidelines
  • Be motivated to attend the college of your choice!

What are the Project ACE Program Objectives?

  • Objective 1: Academic Performance–Grade Point Average (GPA)—85% of participants served during the project year will have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a four-point scale at the end of the school year.
  • Objective 2: Academic Performance on Standardized Test—30% of UB seniors served during the project year will have achieved at the proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.
  • Objective 3: Secondary School Retention and Graduation—95% of Project Participants served during the project year will continue in school for the next academic year, at the next grade level, or will have graduated from secondary school with a regular secondary school diploma.
  • Objective 4: Secondary School Graduation (rigorous secondary school program of study)—52% of all current and prior year UB participants who graduated from high school during the school year with a regular secondary school diploma will complete a rigorous secondary school program of study.
  • Objective 5: Postsecondary Enrollment—55% of all current and prior UB participants who graduated from high school during the school year with a regular secondary diploma will enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following high school graduation, or will have received notification by the fall term immediately following high school from an institution of higher education of acceptance but deferred enrollment until the next academic semester (e.g., spring semester).
  • Objective 6: Postsecondary Completion—70% of participants who enrolled in a program of postsecondary education, by the fall term immediately following high school graduation or by the next academic term (e.g., spring term) as a result of acceptance by deferred enrollment, will attain either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within six years following graduation from high school.

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