Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Program?
  2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
  3. How often are competitions generally held?
  4. What is the duration of the average grant?
  5. What is the average annual grant amount?
  6. Is there a cost matching requirement?
  7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kinds of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
  8. What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
  9. Are there program-wide performance measures?
  10. What are concrete examples of allowable activities?



1. What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Program?

The purpose of the Upward Bound (UB) Program is to generate in program participants the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and to enter and succeed in a program of postsecondary education.

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2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?

Any project assisted under the UB Program must provide –

An UB project may provide the following services:

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3. How often are competitions generally held?

The UB Program competition is held every four years.

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4. What is the duration of the average grant?

All UB grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.

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5. What is the average annual grant amount?

The average UB grant award amount is $321,079.

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6. Is there a cost matching requirement?

The UB Program does not require cost sharing or matching.

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7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kinds of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?

All UB grantees are required to submit an annual performance report (APR) documenting progress toward meeting their approved project objectives.

A grantee must maintain a record of –

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8. What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?

Any non-federal entity that expends a total of $500,000 or more in federal funds must have an annual audit that is conducted under the requirements of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133. In addition, a grantee is required to implement the evaluation plan stated in its funded application.

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9. Are there program-wide performance measures?

The success of the UB Program is measured by the percentage of low-income, first-generation college students who successfully pursue and complete postsecondary education opportunities.

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10. What are concrete examples of allowable activities?

A regular UB project must provide participants with a summer instructional component that is designed to stimulate a college-going experience for participants. Also, regular UB projects may provide exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth.

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Last Modified: 05/03/2022