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Welcome

Hello and welcome to the Hampton University Upward Bound Program! We are part of a number of federally funded programs on the campus of Hampton University which serve both potential and current college students with valuable support and enhancements to promote success with their post-secondary goals. We are excited to share our resources with you and help you navigate your way to a Home by the Sea at Hampton University!

Click pdfs below to Apply to become an Upward Bound Scholar!

Our program is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year!

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Each program participant must need all of the following basic eligibility requirements to include residency, age, status, potential, and need:

  • Attend one of the four target schools (An Achievable Dream, Denbigh, Heritage, or Warwick High School)
  • Have a desire to attend a four-year college/university
  • Meet the income eligibility criterion established by current Federal Guidelines
  • Be a potential first-generation college bound student (neither of whose parent (s) received a baccalaureate degree)
  • Be a citizen or national of the United States
  • Be at least 13 years old (and no more than 19 years old) and a rising 9th grader at the time of acceptance
  • Have a need for academic support in order to successfully pursue a program of study in education beyond high school.

Download

2024–2025 Upward Bound Application (fillable Jotform): Complete the application by clicking the link.

2024–2025 Upward Bound Application (non-fillable PDF).If you prefer to fill out the application with a pen, print the application, fill it in and mail it to our address (listed in the footer).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound (UB) is one of seven federal TRIO programs funded by the Department of Education to increase college access among low–income and potential first-generation college students. The purpose of the UB Program at four year institutions specifically, as stated by the U. S. Department of Education, is to generate in target area program participants the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and to subsequently enter and earn a postsecondary degree.

When did the Upward Bound Program Start?

Hampton University’s Upward Bound program commenced on September 1, 2017.

Which Schools will Upward Bound Serve?

Upward Bound will serve Newport News Public School students at An Achievable Dream High School, Denbigh High School, Heritage High School, and Warwick High School. These four target schools were chosen because of their high need for intrusive academic interventions to help eligible low-income and potential first-generation college students complete high school.

What Services will Upward Bound Provide?

The Hampton University UB program will provide a suite of ongoing intrusive interventions, to include:

  • Academic tutoring
  • Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection
  • Preparation for successful completion of college entrance exams,
  • Dissemination of information on federal Pell grant awards, loan forgiveness, and scholarships
  • Assistance completing applications for federal student aid, as well as guidance with secondary school reentry

To further support advanced diploma completion and increase post-secondary enrollment, Upward Bound staff will develop a six week non-residential Summer Academy for ninth – twelfth graders with an emphasis on increasing student achievement. Freshmen and sophomores will be provided instruction in Math, Science, English, and World Language with course content based on State Assessments and PSAT objectives. Juniors and seniors will receive instruction in those same subjects with course content based on state assessments, SAT/ACT, AP, or Accuplacer test objectives.

 

As part of the Summer Component, academically eligible graduated participants will be afforded the opportunity to enroll in bridge courses for credit, to include College Algebra and Written Communication. To reduce their need to pay for remedial courses as undergraduates, the remaining graduated participants will enroll in project sponsored non-credit bridge or remedial courses separate from the rest of the Summer Component participants.

Hampton University--Upward Bound Mentor Program

Are you a Hampton University 2nd – 4th year student with a 2.75 GPA who would like to BECOME A MENTOR TO A PROMISING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT in the Newport News high schools we serve? Apply to be selected as a MENTOR!

Here is Mentoring Information: Mentoring Handbook Background

 

Informational Brochure

HU UB Fact Sheets 23-24

Here is The True Colors Personality Style Assessment (fillable PDF): true_colors_test for mentoring-fillable

Here is the 2024-25 Mentors Application: Mentor-Tutor Application-fillable

You may want to take an Implicit Bias Test for Your Own Self-Awareness:

https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

ARE YOU A UPWARD BOUND SCHOLAR INTERESTED IN HAVING A MENTOR?

Here is the Mentee Application (fillable PDF): Youth Pre-Match Interview fillable

Here is The True Colors Personality Style Assessment (fillable PDF): true_colors_test for mentoring-fillable

Services can be accessed below.

WHAT SERVICES DOES UPWARD SERVICES DOES UPWARD BOUND PROVIDE?

While in Upward Bound, participants will be offered:

  • Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection
  • Preparation for successful completion of college entrance exams
  • Information on federal Pell grant awards, loan forgiveness, and scholarships
  • Assistance completing applications for federal student aid, as well as guidance with secondary school reentry
  • Exposure to college tours and cultural enrichment activities, and more

In addition to these services, Upward Bound Program staff will develop a six-week non-residential Summer Enrichment Academy for rising 9th-rising 12th graders with an emphasis on increasing student achievement. Rising freshmen and sophomores will be provided instruction in Math, Science, English, and World Language with course content based on State Assessments and PSAT objectives. Rising juniors and seniors will receive instruction in those same subjects with course content based on state assessments, SAT, ACT, or other college entrance exams.

The completion of one full Summer Enrichment Academy during participation in the program is required. Click the desired Enrollment Forms below and complete the form.

SUMMER BRIDGE APPLICATION
Coming soon

SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACADEMY APPLICATION
Coming Soon

TRAVEL MEDICAL RELEASE FORM

Access Here

About Us--Upward Bound at Hampton University

The TRIO Upward Bound Program at Hampton University serves approximately 60 scholars from 4 high schools in Newport News, Virginia: An Achievable Dream, Denbigh, Heritage and Warwick. Upward Bound provides scholars with an intensive academic experience during the traditional school year. During the summer, scholars are invited to a six week Summer Academy on the campus of Hampton University. The curriculum includes academic instruction, personal mentoring, financial aid counseling and FAFSA application assistance, standardized test preparation, college application assistance, as well as, opportunities for college visits and cultural field trips. Our scholars are carefully selected from a pool of exceptional applicants from across Newport News, Virginia who have specific challenges related to economics, access and/or support.

Upward Bound Student-Parent Handbook (for reference only):

Student Parent Handbook 2024-25

During the CoVid-19 health crisis, all services are offered through virtual platforms.

Staff--We're Here For YOU!!

Success

Testimonials

What parents say about Hampton University’s  Upward Bound Program:

“Over the last two years I have watched my two children blossom thinking more intently about their futures and becoming more social. I am so thankful for all of the eye opening opportunities that have been given, especially the college trips, opening up an endless world in academia.”

“This is an awesome program for students to excel and understand their potential. The program strives to offer the best educational assistance and the best individuals to accomplish their goal.”

“This program has really helped my daughter come out of her shell. When she entered the program she was really shy and soft spoken, and really kept to herself. Now she is confident, voiceful, and even has an idea where she wants to go to college to due to one of the college tours she attended.”

“This program has opened up help with preparing for college, keeping a handle on grades with constructive guidance, and unconditional love and patience.  I’d highly recommend this program.”

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