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What is Upward Bound?

In 1965, The United States of America Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These Programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. Over 1,200 colleges, universities, community colleges and agencies now offer TRIO Programs in America. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants.

As part of the original TRIO programs, Upward Bound encourages and supports students by providing academic instruction, counseling, tutoring, summer course work, a summer outdoor experience, and information and assistance with college admissions and financial aid packages. In addition, students earn $40 a month for participation in these requirements. The Upward Bound program of ASPIRA targets students in the ninth through twelfth grades attending Dr. José M. Lázaro, Dr. Gilberto Concepción, Petra Román Vigo, or Manuel Febres school.

Participants are selected using the following criteria:

Family income must meet federal eligibility guidelines. Despite having a satisfactory academic record, the student's future enrollment in a college program is unlikely due to personal, familial and/or social factors. ASPIRA's Upward Bound serves a total of 70 students. Students are referred to the program by high school counselors, parents, teachers, county agencies, current participants, and other sources.

  • Be a current high school student in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade attending one of our target schools (Dr. José M. Lázaro, Dr. Gilberto Concepción, Petra Román Vigo, or Manuel Febres);
  • Have a genuine interest in and the potential for success in high school and post-secondary education;
  • Be a potential first-generation college graduate (neither parent received a four-year college degree);
  • Have at least a 2.0 GPA upon entry into the program

Contáctanos: Upwardbound@pr.aspira.org