Upward Bound is a Federal TRiO program designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in post-secondary education among high school students who are potential first generation college students. The Western Nebraska Community College Upward Bound Program has been in operation since 1995.

Purpose of the Program

Western Nebraska Community College's Upward Bound program--which has been successfully maintained an since 1995--is designed to generate in low-income, potential first-generation college students the skills and motivation necessary to complete high school and to enter and graduate from a program of post-secondary education.

Target High Schools

Four local high schools are targeted for Upward Bound services: Gering, Minatare, Mitchell and Scottsbluff. Since the target high schools are located within a ten-mile radius of WNCC, Upward Bound is close enough for students to have easy access to the campus and for the Program to continue the well-established and valued partnerships with the local schools.

• Of the 81 students served during the 2004-2005 program year, the overall standardized test scores of 31% of students increased 1.43 grade levels; 6% maxed out exceeding 12.9+ grade equivalency. 35% increased their test scores by 2 grade levels or more.
• During the 2004-2005 program year, 10% of the students achieved a 3.5 GPA and higher (excluding those who started with a 3.5 or higher GPA); 47% improved their grade point average by at least a .20 on a 4.0 scale.
• Over 75% of the 2004-2005 program year graduates enrolled in postsecondary educational programs.
• Continued support by target high school counselors and administration
• Continued support by the WNCC campus and staff

Student Eligibility

Applicants must meet federal and Program guidelines to be considered for admission. Students from the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade enrolled in the four Upward Bound target high schools are eligible for consideration if they meet those criteria. For example, they must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident, from a low-income family and/or a potential first-generation college student (meaning that neither parent has earned a bachelors degree), and in need of academic services to graduate from high school and to enter college. Once enrolled, students who meet all Program responsibilities are continued in Upward Bound throughout high school.

High expectations and standards are at the core of the Upward Bound Program.

Services

The Program simulates the college experience by implementing a six-week residential component each summer, and by offering a daily class during the regular academic year in cooperation with the target high school schedules. Upward Bound offers comprehensive and intensive academic, counseling, career, tutorial, and supportive services to each student.

Overview of Services

• Academic Year Program
  • College preparation workshops
  • Academic advising, counseling, and tutoring services
  • Information about the college search and application process, including special workshops, financial aid advising, ACT preparation classes
  • Parent conferences, workshops, and meetings
  • Cultural, social, and extra-curricular programs
  • Use of College resources and facilities, i.e. library, Discovery and computer labs
• Summer Residential Component
  • A six-week residential campus experience
  • College preparation courses in mathematics, English, science, and foreign language
  • Counseling and student development workshops
  • Tutoring and study skills services.
  • College and career exploration seminars.
  • Parent conferences and meetings
  • Cultural, social and intramural programs
  • Use of Western Nebraska Community Colleges resources and facilities, such as the library, computer and Discovery laboratories, and recreation center.

Placement

Students who have successfully completed WNCC's Upward Bound program have been accepted to such institutions as:

• Western Nebraska Community College
• Chadron State College
• Cornell College
• University of Nebraska - Kearney
• University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Hastings College
• Rocky Mountain College, Montana
• University of Wyoming
• Creighton University

More Information

• Why Join?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Helpful Links

TRiO Programs

• Y.E.S.:Student Support Services helps qualified college students persist toward completion of a bachelors degree.
• Veterans Upward Bound: Veterans Upward Bound Program provides educational help to qualified veterans for the improvement of their educational skills before and while they attend a college, university, vocational, or technical school. Assistance is also available for completion of financial aid and scholarship applications.
• Upward Bound: Upward Bound helps qualified high school students improve their academic achievement in high school and prepare for higher education.
• SPiN: Single parents and displaced homemaker students are invited to join the Single Parent Network for monthly networking/educational/support group meetings in the Williams Building. Qualified students may receive nominal financial assistance and free educational materials.
• Supplemental Instruction: Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. S.I. is provided for students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades.