Program Description
The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.
Types of Projects
Program services include:
- Summer programs with intensive math and science training
- Year-round counseling and advisement
- Exposure to university faculty members who do research in mathematics and the sciences
- Computer training
- Participant-conducted scientific research under the guidance of faculty members or graduate students, who are serving as mentors
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students
- Programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.
Additional Information
Services provided by the program include:
- Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
- Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school
- Academic, financial, or personal counseling
- Tutorial services
- Mentoring programs
- Information on postsecondary education opportunities
- Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams
- Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits
- Guidance and assistance on secondary school reentry or alternative education programs; entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education
Funding History
FY 2011-2024 Upward Bound Math-Science Funding History - The program-level information shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2011 through 2024.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $79,381,834 | 251 | 15,555 | $314,963 | 62 | $5,070 |
| 2023 | $79,055,767 | 251 | 15,593 | $314,963 | 62 | $5,070 |
| 2022 | $73,699,494 | 241 | 14,963 | $305,807 | 62 | $4,925 |
| 2021 | $64,843,908 | 212 | 13,184 | $305,867 | 62 | $4,918 |
| 2020 | $65,439,438 | 212 | 13,184 | $308,677 | 62 | $4,964 |
| 2019 | $63,521,110 | 212 | 13,184 | $299,628 | 62 | $4,818 |
| 2018 | $67,687,618 | 212 | 13,184 | $319,281 | 62 | $5,134 |
| 2017 | $58,256,458 | 211 | 13,132 | $276,097 | 62 | $4,436 |
| 2016 | $44,289,274 | 162 | 10,176 | $273,391 | 63 | $4,352 |
| 2015 | $43,050,368 | 162 | 10,034 | $265,743 | 62 | $4,290 |
| 2014 | $43,083,035 | 162 | 10,034 | $265,945 | 62 | $4,294 |
| 2013 | $40,547,999 | 162 | 9,676 | $250,296 | 60 | $4,191 |
| 2012 | $44,141,410 | 166 | 10,265 | $265,912 | 62 | $4,300 |
| 2011 | $33,812,442 | 131 | 6,992 | $258,110 | 53 | $4,836 |
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402C
- 20 U.S.C. 1070a-13
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Upward Bound-Math Science program regulations
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 645
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR, Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
Guidance
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards - The Department worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200.
Applicant Information
The last competition for this program was held in FY 2022. View the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2022, published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2022.
Eligibility
Who May Apply:
- Institutions of higher education
- Public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth
- Combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations
- As appropriate to the purposes of the program, secondary schools
Students must be eligible to participate in the Upward Bound program and must have completed the eighth grade. However, participants do not necessarily have to be participating in a regular Upward Bound program. Two-thirds of all participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining one-third must be low-income or potential first-generation college students.
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
Reports
- Postsecondary Degree Completion Rates Among Students on the Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science to Student Support Services Pathway
- Fast Facts Report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs: 2017 — 18
- Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs Postsecondary Outcomes Report
- Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Program Outcomes for Participants Expected to Graduate High School in 2004-05, With Supporting Data From 2005-06
- A Profile of the Upward Bound Program: 2000-2001
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program?
The purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program is to prepare high school students for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in the fields of math and science.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
An UBMS project must provide the following services:
- Academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;
- Advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection;
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications;
- Information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
- Guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry; alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma, entry into general educational development (GED) programs or entry into postsecondary education;
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students' parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education;
- Any project that has received funds under this part for at least two years must include as part of its core curriculum in the next and succeeding years, instruction in mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition and literature;
- Intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites;
- Activities that will provide participants with opportunities to learn from mathematicians and scientists who are engaged in research and teaching at the applicant institution, or who are engaged in research or applied science at hospitals, governmental laboratories, or other public and private agencies;
- Activities that will involve participants with graduate and undergraduate science and mathematics majors who may serve as tutors and counselors for participants;
- A summer instructional component that is designed to simulate a college-going experience that is at least six weeks in length and includes daily coursework and other activities;
- A summer bridge component consisting of math- and science-related coursework for those participants who have completed high school and intend on enrolling in an institution of higher education in the following fall term; and
- An academic year component designed by the applicant to enhance achievement of project objectives in the most cost-effective way taking into account the distances involved in reaching participants in the project's target area.
An UBMS project may provide the following services:
- Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth;
- Information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the youth;
- On-campus residential programs;
- Mentoring programs involving elementary school or secondary school teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
- Work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree; and
- Programs and activities as described under required services that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youths, participants in or who are aging out of foster care, or other disconnected participants.
3. How often are competitions generally held?
The UBMS Program competition is held every four years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All UBMS grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average UBMS grant award amount is $258,749.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
The UBMS Program does not require cost sharing or matching.
7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All UBMS Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the progress being made towards meeting the approved objectives. Additionally, each grantee must maintain records to determine participant's eligibility, services being provided to the participant, educational progress of the participant through high school and the pursuit of a postsecondary education program, and any services a participant may receive from other TRIO programs or another federally funded program serving populations with similar backgrounds.
8. What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
Any non-federal entities expending $500,000 or more a year in federal awards are required to conduct an A-133 audit. UBMS grantees must have an evaluation plan in place that supports formative and summative evaluation measures as outlined in the program regulations.
9. Are there program-wide performance measures?
The success of the UBMS Program is measured by the percentage of low-income, first-generation college students who successfully pursue and complete postsecondary education.
10. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
A few examples of concrete allowable activities include, but are not limited to:
An UBMS project must provide participants with a summer instructional component that is designed to stimulate a college-going experience for participants. Also, UBMS projects must provide intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites. Additional activities include exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth.
FY 2025
Total Projects: 244
FY 2024
Total Projects: 251
FY 2023
Projects Funded for FY 2023-24
Total Projects: 251
FY 2022
Projects Funded for FY 2022-23
Total Projects: 241
FY 2021
Projects Funded for FY 2021-22
Total Projects: 212
GPRA Reports
The U.S. Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science (UB/UBMS) program contains outcome data for two measures - postsecondary enrollment and postsecondary degree completion - and one measure of program efficiency.
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2022-23
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2023-24
Program Description
The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.
Types of Projects
Program services include:
- Summer programs with intensive math and science training
- Year-round counseling and advisement
- Exposure to university faculty members who do research in mathematics and the sciences
- Computer training
- Participant-conducted scientific research under the guidance of faculty members or graduate students, who are serving as mentors
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students
- Programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.
Additional Information
Services provided by the program include:
- Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
- Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school
- Academic, financial, or personal counseling
- Tutorial services
- Mentoring programs
- Information on postsecondary education opportunities
- Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams
- Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits
- Guidance and assistance on secondary school reentry or alternative education programs; entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education
Funding History
FY 2011-2024 Upward Bound Math-Science Funding History - The program-level information shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2011 through 2024.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $79,381,834 | 251 | 15,555 | $314,963 | 62 | $5,070 |
| 2023 | $79,055,767 | 251 | 15,593 | $314,963 | 62 | $5,070 |
| 2022 | $73,699,494 | 241 | 14,963 | $305,807 | 62 | $4,925 |
| 2021 | $64,843,908 | 212 | 13,184 | $305,867 | 62 | $4,918 |
| 2020 | $65,439,438 | 212 | 13,184 | $308,677 | 62 | $4,964 |
| 2019 | $63,521,110 | 212 | 13,184 | $299,628 | 62 | $4,818 |
| 2018 | $67,687,618 | 212 | 13,184 | $319,281 | 62 | $5,134 |
| 2017 | $58,256,458 | 211 | 13,132 | $276,097 | 62 | $4,436 |
| 2016 | $44,289,274 | 162 | 10,176 | $273,391 | 63 | $4,352 |
| 2015 | $43,050,368 | 162 | 10,034 | $265,743 | 62 | $4,290 |
| 2014 | $43,083,035 | 162 | 10,034 | $265,945 | 62 | $4,294 |
| 2013 | $40,547,999 | 162 | 9,676 | $250,296 | 60 | $4,191 |
| 2012 | $44,141,410 | 166 | 10,265 | $265,912 | 62 | $4,300 |
| 2011 | $33,812,442 | 131 | 6,992 | $258,110 | 53 | $4,836 |
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402C
- 20 U.S.C. 1070a-13
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Upward Bound-Math Science program regulations
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 645
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR, Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
Guidance
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards - The Department worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200.
Applicant Information
The last competition for this program was held in FY 2022. View the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2022, published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2022.
Eligibility
Who May Apply:
- Institutions of higher education
- Public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth
- Combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations
- As appropriate to the purposes of the program, secondary schools
Students must be eligible to participate in the Upward Bound program and must have completed the eighth grade. However, participants do not necessarily have to be participating in a regular Upward Bound program. Two-thirds of all participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining one-third must be low-income or potential first-generation college students.
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
Reports
- Postsecondary Degree Completion Rates Among Students on the Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science to Student Support Services Pathway
- Fast Facts Report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs: 2017 — 18
- Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs Postsecondary Outcomes Report
- Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Program Outcomes for Participants Expected to Graduate High School in 2004-05, With Supporting Data From 2005-06
- A Profile of the Upward Bound Program: 2000-2001
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program?
The purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program is to prepare high school students for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in the fields of math and science.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
An UBMS project must provide the following services:
- Academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;
- Advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection;
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications;
- Information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
- Guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry; alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma, entry into general educational development (GED) programs or entry into postsecondary education;
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students' parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education;
- Any project that has received funds under this part for at least two years must include as part of its core curriculum in the next and succeeding years, instruction in mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition and literature;
- Intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites;
- Activities that will provide participants with opportunities to learn from mathematicians and scientists who are engaged in research and teaching at the applicant institution, or who are engaged in research or applied science at hospitals, governmental laboratories, or other public and private agencies;
- Activities that will involve participants with graduate and undergraduate science and mathematics majors who may serve as tutors and counselors for participants;
- A summer instructional component that is designed to simulate a college-going experience that is at least six weeks in length and includes daily coursework and other activities;
- A summer bridge component consisting of math- and science-related coursework for those participants who have completed high school and intend on enrolling in an institution of higher education in the following fall term; and
- An academic year component designed by the applicant to enhance achievement of project objectives in the most cost-effective way taking into account the distances involved in reaching participants in the project's target area.
An UBMS project may provide the following services:
- Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth;
- Information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the youth;
- On-campus residential programs;
- Mentoring programs involving elementary school or secondary school teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
- Work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree; and
- Programs and activities as described under required services that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youths, participants in or who are aging out of foster care, or other disconnected participants.
3. How often are competitions generally held?
The UBMS Program competition is held every four years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All UBMS grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average UBMS grant award amount is $258,749.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
The UBMS Program does not require cost sharing or matching.
7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All UBMS Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the progress being made towards meeting the approved objectives. Additionally, each grantee must maintain records to determine participant's eligibility, services being provided to the participant, educational progress of the participant through high school and the pursuit of a postsecondary education program, and any services a participant may receive from other TRIO programs or another federally funded program serving populations with similar backgrounds.
8. What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
Any non-federal entities expending $500,000 or more a year in federal awards are required to conduct an A-133 audit. UBMS grantees must have an evaluation plan in place that supports formative and summative evaluation measures as outlined in the program regulations.
9. Are there program-wide performance measures?
The success of the UBMS Program is measured by the percentage of low-income, first-generation college students who successfully pursue and complete postsecondary education.
10. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
A few examples of concrete allowable activities include, but are not limited to:
An UBMS project must provide participants with a summer instructional component that is designed to stimulate a college-going experience for participants. Also, UBMS projects must provide intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites. Additional activities include exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth.
FY 2025
Total Projects: 244
FY 2024
Total Projects: 251
FY 2023
Projects Funded for FY 2023-24
Total Projects: 251
FY 2022
Projects Funded for FY 2022-23
Total Projects: 241
FY 2021
Projects Funded for FY 2021-22
Total Projects: 212
GPRA Reports
The U.S. Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science (UB/UBMS) program contains outcome data for two measures - postsecondary enrollment and postsecondary degree completion - and one measure of program efficiency.