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Upward Bound

Opportunity Program for Dedicated, First Generation, College Bound, High School Students

Program Overview

The Rutgers University-Newark Upward Bound Program is an intensive yearlong college preparatory program that provides classroom instruction and academic support to participants from the East Orange, NJ School District. The program’s mission is to assist students in their efforts to complete high school and enroll in and graduate from college. Upward Bound serves high school students that meet financial eligibility guidelines, demonstrate academic potential, and which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree.

UPWARD BOUND F.A.Q

  • What is the Application Process?
    • Recruitment is conducted from September to December of each school year. Once the program openings have been filled, the remaining applicants are placed on a waiting list. If openings occur during the year, the positions are filled on a first-applied, first-selected basis.
    • Once admitted into the program in the 9th grade, it is expected that they will remain active participants through high school graduation. As participants graduate, additional students are recruited to maintain the 60- student maximum.
    • To submit a completed application, students may return all forms to the school’s guidance counselor or mail the application to:
    • Upward Bound ProgramCenter for PreCollege Programs
      110 Warren Street Room 109
      Bradley Hall, Room
      Newark, New Jersey 07102
  • What are the target schools?
    • The Rutgers-Newark Upward Bound Program serves students from the following schools in East Orange:
      • Cicely L. Tyson Community School of the Performing and Fine Arts High School
      • East Orange Campus High
      • East Orange STEM Academy High School

      All enrichment services and activities are provided at no cost to participants or their families. The program operates through a grant from the United States Department of Education and is sponsored by the Academic Foundations Center, School of Arts and Sciences-Newark at Rutgers University-Newark.

  • What are the eligibility requirements?
    • Students are eligible to apply for the Rutgers University-Newark Upward Bound Program if they:
      • Attend Cicely L. Tyson Community School of the Performing and Fine Arts High School, East Orange Campus High School, or East Orange STEM Academy High School
      • Are a first generation college bound student (neither parent having a bachelor’s degree)
      • Meet federal TRIO programs low-income levels
      • Be citizens of the United States or permanent residents
      • Be committed to the program (until senior year)
      • Be in need of academic support
      • Age 13-19 (grades 9-11 at the time of selection)
  • What services do we offer?
    • Upward Bound provides intensive, year-round academic and enrichment services. The Program is comprised of two components – an academic year component which runs two Saturdays per month from September to June and a six-week summer component, which runs from late June to early August.
    • Services include:
      • Instruction in Mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language
      • One-to-one academic advising/counseling
      • Group and individual academic advisement
      • Online, in-person and after school tutorials (mandatory for all students with a GPA of 2.5 or below)
      • SAT and ACT test fee waivers
      • Campus visits and presentations
      • Cultural enrichment activities
      • Assistance with the college admission process and financial aid application
      • Services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students, including financial planning for college
      • Standardized Test Prep
      • Opportunities to earn college credit prior to attending college
  • Do we offer any volunteer or employment opportunities?
    • A limited number of instructor positions are available year-round. To learn about the numerous opportunities, please email centerforprecollege@newark.rutgers.edu.