The Upward Bound Mission
To support the vision of the Houston Community College System and Central College by working in a partnership with the college community, the business community, and parents of the Houston Independent School District to develop a quality program that will enhance economic and cultural development of the students served in the Upward Bound Program by ensuring that all Upward Bound students complete a program of post-secondary institution.
Who We Are
The Houston Community College*Central Upward Bound program is one of over
700 Upward Bound programs nationwide that help eligible high school students
achieve their dreams of going on to and being successful in higher education.
The students that Upward Bound serves must come from low-income families (with
incomes at or below 150% of poverty) and/or are first generation potential
college students (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor's degree).
Houston Community College has successfully sponsored an Upward Bound project
since 1979. A federal TRIO program, HCC Upward Bound is 100% funded by the
US Department of Education through a competitive grant competition every four
years. As one of fiveUpward Bound projects in the Houston area, HCC Upward
Bound serves five high schools in the Houston area:
---------------Sam Houston High School --------------------Austin High School----------------------Jefferson Davis High School--------------------------------------------------------------------Jack Yates High School-------------------------Phyllis Wheatley High School
The purpose of Upward Bound (UB) is to provide its high school students with the skills and motivation to succeed in and graduate from a college or university of their choice. To that end, UB has both summer and academic year components.
The Upward Bound Summer
During the summer, 120 students participate in a six-week program on the HCC
campus. The summer program engages participants in dynamic academic classes
in Literature & Composition, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Life Skills,
the Arts, Spanish and other areas. There are also intensive experiential seminars
in a wide range of challenging and inspiring subjects. The summer program
also offers a unique Bridge Summer to help graduating seniors cross the great
divide between high school and college.
In addition, the summer program offers a host of afternoon workshops, career explorations, individual and group counseling, and extensive training in group dynamics, communications and collaborative learning skills. The summer program immerses participants in a socially conscious, supportive and self-governing community committed to the highest achievements of each of its members.
The Upward Bound Academic Year
During the academic year, students meet with UB staff every Saturday. Students
engage in academic classes in MAth, Science, English & Litereature, and
Computer Skills. Every Saturday, students will participate in an educational,
cultural, or life orientated activity whci could include college visits, Museums,
or lectures from community leaders.