Upward Bound

If you are a ninth-grade student in Holyoke, you may qualify for Upward Bound. This program helps students succeed in high school and prepare for college. It includes academic instruction in math, science, literature, and foreign languages, as well as tutoring, counseling, and mentoring.

About Upward Bound

Upward Bound is an academic college preparatory program that serves low-income and first generation to college students at Holyoke High School and William Dean Technical High. It aims to raise college awareness and advance college readiness by providing academic support and extracurricular opportunities.

Throughout the school year, Upward Bound staff and tutors meet with participants to provide academic counseling and supports. Extra-curricular activities and mini-courses include ACT/SAT and MCAS preparation, college visits and college preparations, and leadership sessions.

Upward Bound also includes an intensive six-week summer program during which students attend academic courses and seminars. For the first three weeks, the students experience the commuter college setting at HCC. During the last three weeks, the program moves to Amherst College where students continue their coursework while experiencing campus residential life.

Eligible participants must be officially enrolled in the 9th grade. Students in the 8th grade may be accepted to participate in the Summer Academy provided that their official graduation and registration into 9th grade occurs by September of the same year.

To Apply

Students can apply through their school's guidance counselor or by contacting an Upward Bound staff member. The student and his/her parent(s) must fill out and submit the Holyoke Upward Bound application with a recent report card, proof of income, and proof of citizenship or authorized resident status. Upward Bound staff then will contact the parent and student for an interview and request additional documents, such as letters of recommendations from teachers.

Contact

Upward Bound
Gustavo Acosta, Program Director
Phone: (413) 552-2412
Fax: (413) 552-2018

Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the TRIO programs.