What is UB?

Learn More About Upward Bound at USM

How did Upward Bound at USM begin?

Upward Bound (UB) at USM assists high school students in graduating from high school and preparing for success in college. UB offers students ongoing support and a wide variety of opportunities to gain experience and skills designed to help them succeed in high school and college.

The goal of Upward Bound at USM is to increase the rate at which participants complete high school, enroll in and graduate from a college or university. In addition to providing academic support, UB helps students develop open minds, self-confidence, creativity, communication, and leadership skills. Upward Bound at USM works in partnership with students, their parents, and high school staff to help students achieve their own aspirations of attending and graduating from a post-secondary institution.

Who does Upward Bound at USM serve?

Upward Bound at USM serves fifty-six high school students from Bonny Eagle, Massabesic, Portland, and Sacopee Valley High Schools and fifty students from Sanford and Biddeford High Schools. Students must come from income eligible families and/or families where neither of the parent/guardian(s) with whom the student resides has completed a four-year bachelor's degree. Students apply and are selected during either their freshmen or sophomore years of high school and participate in both academic year and summer program activities until they graduate from high school. Upward Bound at USM selects students who are motivated to attend college and who will benefit from additional support.

What does Upward Bound at USM cost?

NOTHING! Upward Bound at USM pays for all academic year and summer program costs (room, board, classes, field trips, tutoring, books, and college application fee waivers) through its grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Services are provided at no cost to students and their parents.