PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
 
The University of Pennsylvania Upward Bound Program was established in 1979. It is conducted on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. The goals of the program are accomplished by offering services that cultivate high levels of academic performance, promote self- esteem and facilitate students' development of their long-range educational and career goals. The program's objectives are achieved through highly structured individual educational plans that are implemented through the Academic Year Component and the Summer Residential Component.
 
 
Upward Bound Brochure 

2009 - 2010 Student Application 

 

Academic Year Component 
 
Students meet on Penn's campus every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. throughout the school year, beginning in October and ending in May. Upward Bound requires all students to make a commitment to participate in every activity provided by the program. These activities are designed to develop skills necessary for success in college. The program concentrates on developing students' critical thinking, reading, writing, and math skills. In addition, the Upward Bound Program includes participation in a variety of extra-curricular activities such as community service, academic competitions, content tutoring, mentoring, cultural enrichment programs and other college preparatory workshops. The academic year component provides students a comprehensive support system that assists them in achieving academic excellence and inspires lifelong learning relevant to a changing global society.
 

Summer Residential Component  
 
The summer residential component is six weeks of intensive instruction. The program runs from late June through the end of July. Students attend classes in with a rigorous curriculum that includes composition, literature, mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, technology, foreign language, history and other subjects. In addition, workshops are offered on such topics as financial aid and financial literacy, college selection, reading/study skills, speech/communications, journalism, drama, and art. During the summer, students also participate in local and out-of state field trips to other college campuses, museums, musical concerts, and various career environments. In addition, students participate in recreational activities that may include tennis, swimming, basketball, and intramural competition.