Upward Bound

Upward Bound Program
1000 ASU Drive #240
Alcorn State, MS 39096
601-877-6223 or 601-877-6224

Upward Bound is a pre-college academic and cultural enrichment program designed to motivate students by developing their basic skills. A major goal of the program is to enable students to complete high school and make a successful transition into postsecondary education.

The program consists of a summer residential session, six-weeks on a college campus, and a follow-up program on Saturdays at the campus during the academic year.

The Upward Bound Program at Alcorn State University is designed to include students from Adams, Claiborne, and Jefferson County schools. It also enables the staff to establish effective working relations with high school principals, faculty, and counselors from participating high schools.

Six major Objectives of the program are to:

• Simulate the college experience through an on-campus residential session;

• Consolidate student academic and motivational gains through a Saturday academic year program;

• Raise educational and career aspirations by taking students on field trips;

• Provide each student with pertinent information on procedures for college/university admission;

• Provide a positive role model for students through the assistance of tutor-counselors;

• Empower participants with the pro-social skills necessary to successfully negotiate their way into young adulthood.

• Upward Bound Retreat
• Dramatics/Educational Seminars
• Music Experiences (Choir)
• Sports
• Educational Field Trips
• Computer Science Experiences
• Talent Programs
• Career Day Programs
• Upward Bound Pageants

The program provides room and board, books, and instructional materials during the summer and academic year sessions.

Each student participating in the program receives a weekly stipend during the summer and the follow-up academic year program on Saturdays.

Students are selected to participate in the program based on the following criteria:

1. A student who is in the low-income category as established by the U. S. Department of Education and/or who is a first generation college student.
2. A student who is in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
3. A student who is enrolled in high school in Adams, Claiborne, or Jefferson County and who needs better preparation and an opportunity to show what he/she can accomplish with proper help.
4. A student who is recommended by a high school principal, counselor, teacher, community leader, or social worker.
5. A student who possesses the aspiration and motivation to gain admission to and successfully pursue an education at a postsecondary institution.