Upward Bound is a federally funded education program dedicated to identifying, recruiting, and supporting students who are determined to succeed academically. Applicants must be either low-income, according to current federal guidelines, or the first generation in their family to earn a four-year degree. This program serves 100 students from ten schools in nine Kentucky counties: Casey County, Estill County, Garrard County, Jackson County, Lee County, Lincoln County, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Powell County, and Wolfe County High Schools. 

           Our goal is to prepare students for college, both academically and socially. We provide assistance with college selection, the application process, scholarship search, and financial aid application. College preparatory classes are offered in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, advanced math, earth and space science, physics, chemistry, language arts, composition, reading skills, American history, world history, French, and Latin. In addition, courses are offered in speech and drama, journalism, computer technology, and cultural enrichment.

         Workshops are offered during the academic year and the summer residential component in topics such as test-taking skills, study skills, time management, peer relations, leadership training, ACT preparation, reading for retention, and goal-setting. Academic tutoring is offered throughout the year. In addition, special interest classes are offered in Dance, Massage Therapy, and Computer Skills.

         Participants are given a chance to experience a life on a college campus, tour many colleges and universities, attend theatrical productions, visit local businesses, job shadow professionals in their field of interest, dine at exotic restaurants, and travel to large cities, mountain resorts, historical areas, and beaches. Many of our participants have not traveled extensively, so our trips are academically and culturally broadening and enriching. During their three-year participation in the program, students have an opportunity to visit historic areas such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana; Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; metropolitan areas such as St. Louis, Missouri; Toronto, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; and experience the ocean in Jekyll Island, Georgia or Daytona Beach, Florida.