Requirements & Eligibility

What Does Upward Bound Require of its Participants?

• Two-thirds of the ACU Upward Bound participants must meet income criteria and must be first-generation college students.
• One-third of the students may be either low-income or first generation college students.
• All participants must be citizens of the United States or permanent residents.
• All students must have the potential for success in post-secondary school, and they must also have need for academic support and/or assistance to ensure entrance into and success in college.
• First generation college students are those neither of whose parents have completed a bachelor's degree.

Who Qualifies as an Upward Bound Participant?

• Students eligible for the Upward Bound Program must meet the following criterion:
• Must be a citizen of the United States or must have permanent residency.
• Enrolled in Abilene or Cooper High School.
• Currently in the 9th or 10th grade.
• Demonstrate need of academic assistance to ensure entrance into college (as determined by the Upward Bound Program).
• Be a potential first-generation student (neither parent having obtained a four-year college degree), and/or economically disadvantaged (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education Income Guidelines).
• Consistent participation in the program for the remainder of one's high school career (two to three years) and to enroll in a post-secondary education program immediately upon graduating from high school.
• Willing to make a commitment to complete high school and have the potential for success in college.