Who may apply to Upward Bound?

          Freshmen and sophomores who attend our target high schools (Casey County, Estill County, Garrard county, Jackson County, Lee County, Lincoln County, Madison Central, Madison Southern, Powell County, and Wolfe County), are in good academic standing, plan to attend college, and meet the federal guidelines concerning family income and education may apply to the program. To be eligible, the parent(s) with whom the child lives cannot have a degree from a four-year college or have a household income above the guidelines in the table below (federal low-income guidelines are subject to change).
(Two-thirds of Upward Bound students must meet both federal criteria; one-third may meet one and not the other.)

Income Table
Maximum Family Income in 2005 for Upward Bound Eligibility (family with whom student lives)

How do I apply to Upward Bound?

          Most recruiting takes place in the spring semester at each high school. Schools handle the selection process differently, some of our target schools allow us to speak to the entire freshmen class, others choose students to meet with us. To ensure your place in the application process, let your school counselor know that you wish to learn about our program or contact our office directly. Teachers, parents, Upward Bound students and community members can also refer students to our program. We are always willing to meet interested applicants.

           Lonnie Hughes, Associate Director, and Jami Nichols, Assistant Director, each serve five of our targeted high schools. Lonnie sees students at Casey County, Estill County, Garrard County, Lincoln County, and Madison Southern high schools, while Jami serves Jackson County, Lee county, Madison Central, Powell County, and Wolfe county high schools. They each present the program to all interested freshmen and distribute applications. When the receive the completed applications, approximately one week later, they check for qualification status (as explained above) and return to each school for personal interviews with the interested students. Students are notified before the end of school as to whether or not they have been accepted into the program.

What can I do to increase my chances of being chosen?

          Students are chosen based on financial need, level of parental education, and academic standing, certainly, but many more areas are important. Most years, twenty or more students vie for each open slot in the program. We don’t just look for straight A students, but those who can become better students with academic support, study skills, and encouragement. We look at school attendance, behavior, and willingness to participate in activities. We want to select students who will benefit the most from our program and contribute to it as well. We meet with the guidance counselors to ask their opinions and we carefully read letters of recommendation from teachers or principals. We need to know that you will feel comfortable being away from home during the summer residential portion of the program, that you are willing to obey program rules, and that you have the ability to get along with a group of relative strangers--who will quite probably become your best friends!