During the academic year, Upward Bound students receive academic counseling and support, study skills training, and other services to help them fine-tune their academic skills and confidence. Saturday sessions are held monthly on Castleton's campus, where topics include: study skills, PSAT/SAT workshops, career development, financial aid, computer technology, and many more. College visits, cultural activities, field trips, community service and other special events are included as part of the academic year experience.
Academic year and summer programming increases the chance that students will succeed in high school and college. Upward Bound staff will have weekly contact with students and be available for one-on-one academic counseling and guidance to keep students on track for college entrance. Upward Bound assists students with the selection of an appropriate post-secondary program, scholarship searches, and with the completion of all college admission and financial aid applications.
It's free! The program's activities are provided at no cost to all eligible participants. One hundred percent of Upward Bound’s funding is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant is funded for 5 years at $312,480 per year.