Welcome to Upward Bound
Upward Bound (UB) is a federally-funded grant program that began at Gulf Coast State College in 2012 to assist 9th-12th graders at certain Bay County High Schools in their pre-college performance and higher education pursuits.
Our Goal
The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in post-secondary education. Through intensive academic support and exposure to the college-going experience, Upward Bound equips participants to succeed in higher education. Upward Bound focuses on Bay, Rutherford, and Deane Bozeman High Schools and all services are provided for free-of-charge to participants.
GRANT AWARD
GCSC was awarded a Fiscal Year 2022 Upward Bound grant on June 8th, 2022. That award (P047A220200) runs from 09/01/2022 till 08/31/2027 and is budgeted to receive approximately $297,601.00 annually. Please note, too, that Upward Bound’s program costs are 100% financed by federal money.
SERVICES
- Our team provides personalized guidance and encouragement to students.
- Assistance in navigating academic challenges, set goals, and maximize their potential for success.
- Utilizing career aptitude tests, guest speakers, and program tours.
- Empowering students to discover their interests, strengths, and potential career paths within a supportive environment.
- College tours and workshops focused on navigating the college process.
- Ensuring they are well-prepared for their future academic endeavors.
- Equipping students with knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about higher education.
- Information on financial aid options that are available for higher education.
- Assistance with submitting forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Students are encouraged to utilize our tutoring lab equipped with computers and study space.
- Tuesday Night Test Prep to prepare students for standardized testing, including SAT, ACT, and CLT exams.
- Provides students with a college experience preview here at Gulf Coast State College.
- Features cultural trips, campus tours, STEM workshops, and academic sessions.
- Focuses on academic enrichment and fostering leadership, preparing students for success in higher education.
Eligibility
An individual is eligible to participate in Upward Bound if they meet all of the following requirements:
- A citizen or national of the United States;
- A permanent resident of the United States;
- In the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident;
- A permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or
- A resident of the Freely Associated States—the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
- A potential first-generation college student;
- A low-income individual (based on federal guidelines); or
- An individual who has a high risk for academic failure.
At the time of initial selection, has completed the eighth grade and is at least 13 years old but not older than 19. Please note that preference will be given to individuals who have not completed the tenth grade.
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:
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Danielle Pierce, Assistant UB Director |
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Teresa Givens, UB Administrative Asst. |
Miscellaneous Information:
“The contents of GCSC’s TRiO webpages, along with any printed publication materials (e.g., books, reports, or films) we separately disseminate, were developed under grants provided by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). However, those contents do not necessarily represent ED policy, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.”