Upward Bound Program

D'Youville Upward Bound is a year-round college preparation program for high school students.

Through tutoring, mentoring, and financial planning, Upward Bound prepares City of Buffalo students for post-secondary education. Upward Bound students are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of higher education by completing essential gateway courses and through assistance from parent, school, and community support systems.

Who Are We?

Upward Bound is a national year-round pre-collegiate program that provides equitable support for first generation high school students who are of a historically marginalized and underrepresented population. These students have the desire, motivation and potential to complete high school and enroll in post-secondary education. Upward Bound provides support services that will prepare participants for post-secondary success.

Goals & Objectives

Improve academic performance (GPA & standardized tests)
Promote secondary school retention & graduation
Completion of rigorous academic secondary school program
Post-secondary enrollment
Post-secondary completion

Services

Academic tutoring & advisement
Enrichment activities & programs
Study & test-taking skills
Mentoring & academic counseling
College visits & career exploration
Access to technology & the community
Cultural & social field trips/events
Test prep workshops (SAT/ACT)
College advisement/application workshops
Financial aid workshops/advisement
Team-building & experiential learning
Exciting six-week summer program

What is the Cost?

Upward Bound is free to all participants.

Who is Eligible?

9-12th grade students who attend International Preparatory High School
Students who come from an income eligible family (contact for more info)
Students who are first-generation (neither parent holds a bachelor's degree)
Students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or can provide evidence of intent to become a permanent resident

Student and Parent/Guardian Checklists and Advice

Current and prospective students and their parents or guardians should use the following sections to ensure students gain the greatest benefit possible from the D'Youville Upward Bound program.

PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT STUDENTS

Student Expectations and Goals

D’Youville’ s Upward Bound program encourages participants to explore career options, take advantage of all the resources offered, and to take an active role in preparing for the transition from becoming a successful high school student to a college graduate. The UWB Experience is meant to assist you in understanding how learning beyond the classroom relates to your place in the world.

9th Grade Goals

Students discover their interests and begin the process of basic career exploration. Students are taught to plan short/long term goals and develop skills necessary to become successful high school students.

Develop & Implement Note-Taking and Study Skills
Work on Test-Taking and Time-Management Skills
Develop a Four-Year High School Plan towards college admission
Begin creating an Activities List/Resume

10th Grade Goals

Students begin to understand what to look for in a college or university and what admission counselors look for in an applicant.

Analysis of the college application
Understand how college admission officers evaluate applications
Learn the language of exploring college possibilities
Introduction of Financial Aid Process

11th Grade Goals

Students narrow down their college choices, and prepare supporting documents for the college application and scholarship search.

Must take SAT Preparation Course
Resume Development
Narrow down College Choices
Begin Financial Aid Planning

12th Grade Goals

Personal Statement/supplemental writing assignment
Top College Presentations
College admissions applications
Financial Aid appeal letter
Scholarship applications
Resume/Activity List
Recommendation Letters Request Forms

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Parents of Upward Bound students are strongly encouraged to become involved in all aspects of their child's participation and to attend meetings. Parent involvement is the best way to ensure student success and overall academic success in the program.

Family participation in education was twice as predictive of students' academic success as family socioeconomic status. Decades of research shows that when parents are actively involved students have:

Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates
Better school attendance
Increased motivation and self-esteem
Lower rates of suspension
Decreased use of drugs and alcohol
Fewer instances of violent behavior

Please take the time to:

Ensure your child checks his/her email daily
Review Events Calendar regularly
Attend parent meetings as scheduled

D’Youville Upward Bound Parent Checklist

9th Grade

Get to know your child's guidance counselor.
Become familiar with your child's academic courses.
Work with your child to establish a routine of study, work, and leisure.
Explore whether your child should take the PSAT.
Insist that homework is completed and submitted on time.

10th Grade

Discuss ways of paying for your child's college education with his or her guidance counselor.
Attend parent nights and college fairs.
Continue to insist that homework is completed and submitted on time.

11th Grade

Make sure your child has at least 12 academic courses by the end of this year.
Review and discuss academic courses, class rank, and SAT/ACT scores with your child and his or her guidance counselor.
Visit colleges with your child.
Attend financial aid workshops.
Help your child narrow down his or her college choices.
Continue to insist that homework is completed and submitted on time.

12th Grade

Make sure your child has completed all the academic courses necessary by graduation.
Discuss final college choices with your child.
Review all electronic and postal mail with your child to ensure that all applications and fees are submitted on time, and that your child replies to all requests for additional information and offers of admission before given deadlines.
Continue to insist that homework is completed and submitted on time.

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