Upward Bound Programs

The University of Nevada, Reno has sponsored at least one Upward Bound program since 1967. The Upward Bound Washoe program serves 75 participants, the Upward Bound Northwest program serves 50 students, as does the Truckee Meadows program. Jointly, the Upward Bound programs serve 175 participants in a given year.

Upward Bound is a college preparatory program for students who come from a family where no parent in the home has earned a four-year college degree and/or the family taxable income meets the low income level guidelines set by the federal government. The goal of the program is to provide the necessary guidance, resources, experiences, and academic support to ensure graduation from high school and successful entrance and graduation from college. Students develop the necessary skills by attending Saturday College Prep Sessions and programming activities, including support classes, and leadership activities.

Upward Bound has two components, the Academic Year and the Summer Academy. During the Academic Year component, Upward Bound participants attend Saturday College Preparatory Sessions once or twice a month, meet with an advisor monthly, and work with tutors to improve their academic skills. When students follow through with program curriculum and meet program standards they have opportunities to attend college tours that take them to colleges and universities in the United States. Finally, students also participate in other field trips such as skiing, skating, bowling, career and college fairs, camping, museum tours, plays, and other cultural awareness activities.

Students who qualify for the Summer Academy based on grades and/or Academic Year participation and performance can choose to live in the dormitories on the University of Nevada, Reno campus for six weeks, all expenses paid. Students enroll in Upward Bound academic classes in preparation for the curriculum of their next year in high school. Students room with other local high school students, interact with teachers, residential advisors, attend field trips and cultural activities, and participate in intramural activities. After attending one Summer Academy on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, students may have the opportunity to spend six weeks at one of the Regional Math and Science Centers which are located in California, Hawaii, and Arizona.

Upward Bound is an academic program that provides many opportunities for a student to develop his or her academic and testing skills, receive assistance with career planning, develop self-esteem, and learn skills and identify resources to be successful in college. It is a commitment and opportunity that spans a student's years of high school.

If interested in Upward Bound, we encourage the student to complete the application. After Upward Bound has received all application materials, student and parent(s) or guardian(s) are asked to attend an interview session on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please feel free to call the Upward Bound office at (775) 784-4978 or email Ms. Erin Frock at efrock@unr.edu or Ms. Deirdre Hill at drhill@unr.edu.