Upward Bound at Independence Community College

The Upward Bound Program provides qualified participants with the tools, skills, access to resources, and motivators needed to complete high school and to enter and succeed in college. A six-week summer component is also created and offered to provide students with an actual academic, realistic collegiate, social, intellectual, and cultural experience geared towards preparing students for college life. Our federal guidelines can be accessed by clicking here: Title 34 → Subtitle B → Chapter VI → Part 645

Upward Bound staff members with backgrounds and expertise in education, counseling, or a related field engineer an innovative and extensive college preparation platform designed to help participants prosper while attending high school, we ensure students attain focused individual/program objectives, and we help prepare eligible students for success in earning a two-year or four-year college degree. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education since 1996, Upward Bound @ Independence Community College is able to serve 65 accepted high school students in six different geographic areas (Cherryvale, Fredonia, Independence, Neodesha, and Sedan). Initial applicants must be in the 9th, 10th, or the 11th grade, demonstrate a need for our academic support services, and meet federally defined statuses of “low-income,” “at risk for academic failure,” and/or potential “first-generation college student” eligibility guidelines located in our application packet. Upward Bound can connect participants with exclusive resources, tutors/counselors, tools, and so much more, but we are looking for those individuals who are motivated to succeed during high school and who are committed to earning a college degree.

All services and activities are free to accepted participants. In addition, UB students can earn a monthly stipend during the school year for event attendance. Participants must maintain the required 2.5 GPA to receive the stipend. During the summer, participants are eligible for an additional stipend amount if they complete the six-week summer program. An optional, paid work-study component is also offered to interested students.

Selection Process

Once the Upward Bound team receives all completed application materials, we will determine eligibility based on federal guidelines. If an applicant is admitted into the program, an interview will take place after a 60-day program trial period with a legal guardian and the student participant. If a student is emancipated or does not have a legal guardian, we will provide federal guidance on eligibility based on their situation and required documentation. Federal guidelines do not exclude legally “independent students” from applying or being accepted into the program. 

All applicants will receive an acceptance or nonacceptance letter. During their 60-day probationary period, the student must attend all Upward Bound events and the interview will determine if the student will continue to be a committed and valuable member of the program. We understand if extenuating or special circumstances should be considered. Please communicate your needs and our staff will always try to accommodate.

All Upward Bound services, activities, supplies, and so much more are absolutely free to qualified participants. See only some of what we have to offer below.

Apply today, quickly, and securely online: https://botform.compansol.com/202405520027844     

  • Tutoring (math, English, science, history, foreign languages...all the things) 
  • Money for participating! 
  • ACT Testing fee waivers, test prep, books/instructors 
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Completion 
  • One-on-One Assistance
  • Parent & Student Tutorials
  • Seminars / Webinars / Workshops 
  • Professional tips from instructors, subject matter experts, and more 
  • College Visits (three per year sponsored by Upward Bound) 
  • Assessment of your Needs
  • College Credit while still in High School (requirements apply)
  • College & Career Preparation/Planning Assistance
  • College Life Experiences:  
  • dorm life, trips, campus visits, resident advisors, camp counselors…
  • Community Activities 
  • Expert Academic & Career Advising
  • Financial Management & Aid
  • Scholarships, Loans, & Grant info and help with applying, too!
  • Grade Success Support 
  • Mentoring & Presentations

2022-2023 Monthly School Site Visits:

We are currently updating our monthly site visit schedule. Check back soon!

 

Contact Us

Email: upwardbound@indycc.edu  

Phone: 620-332-5465 or 620-332-5452/5453.

 

 

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