Upward Bound Program, Bronx Community College
Michelle Danvers-Foust
Director
Mission Statement
This College preparatory program is designed to develop the skills and motivation necessary for success in college for high school students from low-income backgrounds and inadequate secondary school preparation. The program includes a six-week summer component that gives students an opportunity to live on a college campus and earn credits toward their high school diploma and college degree.
Types of Projects
Upward Bound projects provide academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that
are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.
History
The program was launched in 1965, after the enactment of the Higher Education Act of 1965.[2] It has an annual budget around $250,000,000.[3] Grants are usually made to institutes of higher education (universities), but some awards have been made to other non-profit organizations such as tribal organizations.[4] Each award made averages $4,691 per participant, with the most common award providing $220,000 per grantee in 2004 and $250,000 in 2007. Awards are for four or five years and are competitive. The law providing for Upward Bound is 34 CFR Ch. VI Pt. 645. As federal education grants, Upward Bound awards fall under EDGAR and OMB Circular A-21 financial guidelines.