Upward Bound Program at CSU-Pueblo renewed for five years with $2 million +

PUEBLO - Colorado State University-Pueblo’s Upward Bound (UB) program has been awarded a five-year grant of more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Education to continue facilitating education and preparing youth for success in postsecondary studies.

For the 2017-18 year, the CSU-Pueblo grant will total just over $403,000. CSU-Pueblo has offered an Upward Bound program since 1968, equipping participants with critical skills necessary to thrive and succeed in postsecondary education. Services are provided annually to 90 eligible secondary school youths who demonstrate the motivation and commitment necessary for graduating high school and exceling in college. The services focus on year-round academic support, college preparation, financial literacy, leadership development, and cultural and community experiences. Eligible participants (who include foster, homeless, and otherwise disadvantaged youth) are selected from four Pueblo schools (East, County, Centennial, and Central) that contain a large percentage of the lowest income and most poorly educated residents statewide. Hispanic Americans are 41 percent of the population, the largest minority ethnic group represented in the Upward Bound program.

The academic year is structured around a four-hour, twice-weekly After School Precollege program offering mandatory academic instruction and support. Special emphasis is placed on SAT preparation and the mastery of four core subjects: mathematics, science, reading, and writing. Students are encouraged to enroll in college preparatory courses in their respective high schools in order to continue in the program. Students attend programming on campus each Friday and once a week and their respective high schools.

Each participant receives an individualized academic and career plan which tracks progress and makes adjustments based on information from transcripts, summer program academic reports, and scores on the SAT and PSAT. The project’s academic curriculum at each target school will monitor participants starting in 9^th grade and will place them into Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses by their junior and senior years. Project advisors guide and assist participants who are on the verge of, or have dropped out of school.

Each summer, a six-week Summer Precollege Academy is offered at the university with a curriculum aligned with Colorado State Academic Standards. Instructors, including high school and university faculty and staff, deliver challenging courses in an innovative and formal academic environment. The Summer Academy ensures that after four years of participation, students are prepared to utilize their knowledge and skills in a college setting. Additionally, community service, cultural activities, tutoring and leadership activities enhance the academic curriculum and development of the academy. A Summer Bridge program also is offered, providing graduated senior participants with an academic and transitional boost into secondary studies. Participants will visit more than 12 college campuses (in state and out of state) during the four years in the program. 

All Upward Bound program activities and services are free to qualifying students enrolled in the program. For application materials, call Upward Bound at 719-549-2750. Currently, the program is only accepting applications for incoming freshman.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is committed to excellence, setting the standard for regional comprehensive universities in teaching, research, and service by providing leadership and access for its region, while maintaining its commitment to diversity.

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