FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)

What is Upward Bound?

The Upward Bound Program provides fundamental support in preparing high school scholars for college success. The program provides early exposure to research and scholarly activities that provide opportunities for scholars to succeed in high school and ultimately in higher education.

Upward Bound serves high school scholars from low-income families and high school scholars from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which scholars succeed and complete high school and enroll in and graduate from college.

Who is eligible to participate?

 The following requirements must be met to be eligible for admissions to the Upward Bound Program:

  • be a U.S citizen or permanent resident.
  • meet federal low-income guidelines and/or be a first generation college student (first in their family to attend college) and/or at academic risk.
  • have graduated or will be graduating from 8th grade (by the summer when you apply).
  • have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Attend or planning to attend any of the schools listed below:

  • Santa Ana Unified School District:

    • Saddleback High School
    • Santa Ana High School
    • Century High School
    • Valley High School

    Anaheim Union High School District:

    • Savanna High School
    • Magnolia High School

 

 Califoria State University, Fullerton's Upward Bound Program is 100% federally funded. Admission into Upward Bound is open to those who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of gender, race, national origin, color, age, religion or disability.  

Which High Schools do we serve?

Santa Ana Unified School District:

Anaheim Union High School District:

How do I become a UB scholar?

Step 1: Complete the Upward Bound Pre-Application, autobiographical essay, and teacher recommendation form (can be found on our Apply Now Opens in new window page) and turn it in by emailing upwardbound@fullerton.edu the pre-application and autobiogprahical essay. The teacher recommendation is a google form and Upward Bound will be notified when a teacher submits a response. 

Step 2: If the scholar meets eligibility requirements, an invitation will be sent to the scholar and their parent to attend an Information Session. The scholar and a parent must attend the Information Session. At the conclusion of the Information Session the scholar will be given the second part of the application.

Step 3: Once all the required documents are submitted, the scholar and parent will undergo a 60-day provisional period where scholar academic performance will be monitored. If the scholar successfully completes the 60-day provisional period he/she will be awarded permanent admission into the program.

When does the enrollment period begin and end?

Upward Bound is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year, and admits scholars as openings occur. There is a Fall and Spring recruitment cycle. For the Fall recruitment cycle, applications and all required documents must be recieved. For Spring recruitment cycle, applications and all required documents must be received by the end of April to be given consideration for the Summer Enrichment Program.

How are scholars selected?

Scholars are selected based on academic need, motivation to pursue a post-secondary education, and willingness to commit to a challenging college preparatory program.

 

When are new program participants required to begin?

Scholars can be admitted through the academic year. Summer Enrichment Program Scholars admitted during the spring semester must attend the Summer Enrichment Program (usually in June) and must attend through July.

What if an acceptance letter was not received?

Every applicant will receive either an “acceptance letter,” a “non-acceptance letter” or a letter stating the applicant is on a waiting list. However, we have no control over the postal service; if you do not hear from us, do not hesitate to call our office.

 

What are the program’s expectations of participating students?

  • Motivation – The scholar must demonstrate the desire and willingness to work in preparation to be successful in college. Desire and willingness is demonstrated by a good faith effort to earn good grades in high school classes, especially core college preparatory classes. Your strong will and the choice you make will help you reach your dreams and aspirations.
  • Commitment – The program and every staff member will commit 100 % effort to support the scholar and their dreams. In turn, the scholar must make the program a priority by showing 100% commitment and involvement in program activities.
  • Persistence – The scholar must be willing to work consistently to accomplish her/his academic goals. Persistence will help you recognize institutional barriers and help you overcome them. Persistence, more than brilliance, has the power to help you reach your dreams and aspirations.
  • Enthusiasm – The intent of the program is to help the scholar explore new areas and get excited about learning. Remember, enthusiasm is infectious. If you are excited about what you are doing, others will also become excited and be willing to work with you.
  • Follow Through – The program attempts to help the scholar empower her/himself, and thereby attain greater control of your future. Developing good learning habits, meeting timelines, fulfilling one’s obligations, provides greater control each scholar has over her/his own life.
  • Community and Self-Empowerment – The program strives to create environments for scholar self-empowerment. Education can serve as a toll for both community and self-empowerment. Scholars must be willing to challenge themselves to dream for a better future not only for themselves but also for their community.

 

What can my scholar expect from Upward Bound?

Upward Bound provides a variety of services and activities to help scholars prepare for college. Our services include:

Exposure to Higher Education

  • College preparatory workshops
  • College campus tours
  • College and career advising

College Coaching

  • College planning and selection
  • College entrance examination preparation
  • College application assistance

Academic Support

  • Academic advising and tutoring
  • Titan Summer Research Program
  • Scholarly habits and study skills workshops

Personal Development

  • Saturday leadership development seminars
  • Opportunities for civic engagement
  • Culturally enriching activities

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • Understanding financial aid and scholarships
  • Assistance with applying for financial aid and understanding award packages

What does it cost?

It's FREE!

If eligible, only your commitment is required. All program activities, including field trips, transportation, and the Summer Enrichment Program food and housing are free!

How do I apply?

You can apply on our "Apply NowOpens in new window " page.