The Abilene Christian University Upward Bound Program provides low income and first-generation high school students with academic, cultural and personal support for the purposes of high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and lifelong success.
The Abilene Christian University Upward Bound Program provides low income and first-generation high school students with academic, cultural and personal support for the purposes of high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and lifelong success.
The goal of Upward Bound is to help participants complete high school and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Abilene Christian University’s Upward Bound Program, in collaboration with local area high schools, guides, empowers and educates students to become future social leaders ready to self-advocate, think critically, and succeed in a diverse and global society.
Students receive four hours of academic support weekly on ACU’s campus. These sessions allow students to complete homework, improve skills in core subject areas, prepare for standardized tests and participate in college/career readiness activities. Upward Bound offers transportation to the university campus and to participating students’ homes.
Students participate in bi-monthly Thursday gatherings to allow scholars from all participating schools to interact and learn with each other. Sessions cover group dynamics, college spotlights, scholarships, test prep, professional speaker series and how to develop good habits and skills to succeed in the classroom. Transportation to and from the events is available.
The Summer Academy, a six-week academic program providing instruction in English/language arts, science, mathematics, SAT/ACT prep and a variety of elective courses, offers a commuter and residential component. The commuter program is available to all grade levels.
The residential program, held at Abilene Christian University, is for upperclassmen. Scholars experience college life by living in a residence hall. Evening activities are scheduled to enhance each scholar’s academic and interpersonal skills. Qualified students will participate in five-week career observations of a professional in the career field of their interest.
Students in the Summer Residential Program may participate in the college bridge component. This bridge allows scholars to enroll in one college course offered during Summer Session One to gain an understanding of college courses and expectations.
Upward Bound provides students with local college visits during the academic year. During Summer Academy, students may be a part of an all-expense paid trip to different public and private institutions, allowing each student to gain a sense of preference in a postsecondary school. With each visit, students are better able to make more informed choices about where to attend college.
NOTE: Student must be willing to attend our six-week Summer Residential Program in June and July.
Application Process
Fill out the application and send it to us one of four ways:
*Call our office at 325-674-2448 before emailing or faxing and with any application questions.
Students are required to attend academic support services for the entire academic year. Students that miss sessions for any reason must have a parent contact UB staff as soon as possible.
Attendance is monitored at ALL Upward Bound events, including tutoring sessions, College Connection Thursday and college visits. While other commitments and issues may arise, students must keep Upward Bound staff informed.
If a participant’s attendance is not 90% at all events, without proper documentation, they will not be allowed to attend educational excursions and membership will be evaluated for possible exit.
Director
Dustin West
Email: rdw16b@acu.edu
Phone: (325) 674-2448
Educational Coordinator
Jennifer Valenzuela
jmv11a@acu.edu
(325) 674-2514
Academic Development Advisor
Alexis Royal
arr15b@acu.edu
(325) 674-2713
Upward Bound Program
Abilene Christian University
1695 Campus Court
Abilene, Texas 79601
Phone: 325-674-2448
Email: upwardbound@groupmail.acu.edu
Fax: 325-674-2898
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Upward Bound began at ACU in 1995 and continues to serve Abilene ISD’s students. There are two components to the Upward Bound Program: 1) the academic year which consists of SAT and ACT test preparation, tutoring, college connection and college tours; and 2) a six-week Summer Academy with Summer Bridge course for graduated seniors.
Here are some useful resources to assist Upward Bound scholars. These links direct you to websites that help prepare students for the college admissions process.
African American Scholarships
Asian American Scholarships
Hispanic Scholarships
Native American Scholarship