Answer: Upward Bound is a federally-funded college prepartory program for high school students. Upward Bound along with its sibling programs (Equal Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate, Student Support Services, and Talent Search) are funded through the Higher Education Act of 1965. Veterans Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math/Science are specialized iniciatives funded to educate verterans about higher education, and strengthen the math/science skills of high school students. Please visit the Department of Education's website or The Council for Opportunity in Education for additional information about Upward Bound and other TRIO Programs.

Answer: Individuals are eligible to participate is they are in the 9th and 10th grade during the enrollment period. He or she must attend one of our twelve target high schools: (Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Louisa, Monticello, Nelson, Orange, Waynesboro, Western Albemarle, and William Monroe). Participants must reside in households inwhich their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not earned a Bachelor's Degree, and/or meet federal income requirements (at the time of admission). At least seventy-five percent of the program's total population must meet both requirements.

Answer: At present the University of Virginia's Upward Bound Program is funded to serve 75 participants.

Answer: All perspective students must complete an application, and parents must provide documentation of household income (when requested). In addition, applicants are interviewed by an Upward Bound Staff member and must submit their report cards/transcript for review.

Answer: UVa’s Upward Bound Program has two enrollment periods. The Fall Enrollment Period begins in October. Students selected during this time will begin Upward Bound in January 2008. This enrollment period will primarily focus on recruiting 10th graders. Ninth graders are welcome to apply, however their application may not be considered until the second enrollment period (Spring 2008). The second enrollment period will begin March 2008 and will only be open to 9th graders; individuals selected will be expected to begin in June or September 2008.

Applications (along with a brochure) are distributed to potential candidates when an Upward Bound Representative(s) visits each target high school during The Fall Enrollment Period (October or November). Additional copies of both items can be obtained from each high school's guidance department. During the introductory meeting, students are also given an application due date (when all portions of the application are expected in guidance). Once the applications have been collected, guidance will forward them to Upward Bound’s Office. An Upward Bound Representative may provide another Q&A session during The Spring Enrollment Period if a target school’s guidance office deems it necessary. Spring applicants will be given their application due date in March 2008.

After the applications have been reviewed, an Upward Bound representative will schedule applicant interviews with each school's guidance department. These interviews will take place at the high school. Interviews are usually scheduled in Late November/Early December for The Fall Enrollment Period, and Mid-April for The Spring Enrollment Period (this may be adjusted depending upon the weather). In addition, an Upward Bound Representative will notify guidance about follow-up interviews with the school personnel who completed recommendations.

The guardians/parents of perspective students must provide must provide documentation of household income. Upward Bound will mail a letter to a letter requesting this info to each applicant’s household in Late November/Early December for The Fall Enrollment Period, and Mid-April for The Spring Enrollment Period. The selection of perspective Upward Bounders will be done in house (using the criteria listed below). Once the selection process has been completed, all applicants (unless they did submit all requested info) will be notified of their status via mail. This should happen in Late December (those slated to begin in January 2008), and Early May (June or September 2008 start date).

Answer: Applicants are selected based on a combination of factors: completed application, essay, recommendations, grades, and face-to-face interview. A deficiency in one of these attributes does not automatically disqualify a candidate. Applicants will receive points for completing the previously mentioned items. If applciants have received the same number of points, a greater emphasis will be placed on the individual's recommendations and grades. If none of the applicant's recommenders complete our follow-up questions, a greater emphasis will be placed on their grades. Finally, applicants must reside in households inwhich their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not earned a Bachelor's Degree, and/or meet federal income requirements.

Answer: Applicants will be notified via mail once the selection process has concluded This should happen in Late December (those slated to begin in January 2008), and Early May (June or September 2008 start date). The type of letter received will indicate an individual's start date.

Answer: Candidates who did not receive an acceptance letter may be offered a spot on our waiting list. Individuals on the waitlist may considered during the Fall and Spring Enrollment Periods (you will be contacted if a vacancy occurs).

If your household receives a rejection letter, the candidate may re-apply the next year if they are in the 9th grade. Failure to complete a portion of the admissions process (application, interview, financial statement, submission of grades) will indicate your child's desire not to be considered for the program. Upward Bound WILL NOT notify you once the admissions process has concluded.

Answer: Participants are expected to commit to Upward Bound year-round until they graduate from high school. This commitment entails attending our Saturday Sessions throughout the school year. Upward Bound Students are expected to attend our summer sessions. While on the University of Virginia's campus, participants are required to adhere to UVa policies (ex. Information Technology). In addition, students are expected to respect their peers, staff, and all individuals encountered while participating in Upward Bound sponsered outings. All parents and students will sign a contracts pledging their desire to uphold Upward Bound's tennants.

Answer: During Saturday Sessions and the Summer Program, students are placed in academic courses that mirror their high school schedule. These courses are designed to foster support and enable students to get ahead. Please note: high school nor college credit is not received for taking Upward Bound's courses. Tutoring services are voluntary for participants provided their grades in core-courses does not dip below a 'C'.

If a grade falls below a 'C' tutoring becomes manditory until we receive a report card indicating improvement (C+ or better). Prepartation for SOLs (Standards of Learning) and College Admissions Exams (SAT/ACT) are also provided. This may be done in as a class or within a tutoring session. Upward Bound pays for its 12th graders to take the ACT and SAT once. Upward Bound will also pay for the maximum number of SAT Subject tests (SAT IIs) taken in one sitting. Throughout the year Upward Bound holds cultural/social enrichment activities and visits to various colleges/univesities.

Answer: Begining in March 2008, applications will be accepted for slots available in June or September 2008.