Upward Bound is a college preparatory program geared toward helping participants succeed in high school and prepare for college. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound serves 65 high school students. Eligible applicants must be in 9-11 grade, show motivation to succeed in high school & college, and meet low income and/or potential first-generation college student requirements.

Cherryvale
Field Kindley 
Fredonia
Independence    
Neodesha 
Parsons
Sedan

Academic/College Advising
Career Guidance 
College Campus Visits
College Preparation
Cultural Activities
Financial Aid Assistance
Paid 6 College Credits*
2 ACT Testing Fee Waivers
Paid College Admission Fees
Paid Work-Study*
Family Workshops
6 Week Summer Program
Tutoring

*Requirements apply

All services and activities are free to participants.  In addition, participants can earn a $40/month stipend during the school year for attendance at Upward Bound events (must maintain a 2.5 GPA to be eligible).  During the summer, participants are eligible for a $60/month stipend (6-week summer program must be successfully completed.)  An optional work-study component is possible, 40hrs @ $9/hour, (this is for the academic year and summer.)

For information or questions, call (620) 332-5465 or email upwardbound@indycc.edu

Angela Houston - Director        Sara Finton-Coordinator        Gayle Chapman-Program Specialist
 

TRIO Upward Bound has been located at Independence Community College since 1996. 
Our offices are located in Brick F. 

Trio Upward Bound
Independence Community College
1057 West College Avenue
     Independence, KS 67301 
 

The U.S. Department of Education evaluates Upward Bound yearly according to the following objectives. These objectives have to be met in order for the program to remain funded.
   
1.    Participants will have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a four-point scale at the end of the school year.

2.    UB seniors will have achieved at the proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.

3.    Participants will continue in school for the next academic year, at the next grade level, or will have graduated from secondary school with a regular secondary school diploma.

4.    Participants will complete a rigorous secondary school program of study.

•    4 years of English
•    3 years of math (Algebra I and a higher level class)    
•    3 years of science (2 of the 3: Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
•    3 years of social studies    
•    1 year of foreign language 

5.    Participants will enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following high school graduation or will have received notification of acceptance but deferred enrollment until the next academic semester (e.g. spring semester).

6.    Participants will attain either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within six years following graduation from high school.

Participant Information Sheet

Participant Eligibility Form

Release of Records Form

Upward Bound is required by the U.S. Department of Education to collect income verification documents to determine whether a student is eligible for the program.  We need the first 2 pages of a legal guardian’s current federal tax return. Below, refer to the federal tax return example for what is needed for documentation. If your legal guardian did not file a federal tax return, we will need a copy of parent/guardian TANF, Social Security benefits, or Welfare benefits.

For example,