Program Description
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Types of Projects
Upward Bound projects provide:
- Academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages
- Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, 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
All Upward Bound projects MUST provide instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language. Other services include:
- Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits
- Guidance and assistance on secondary school reentry, alternative education programs, or entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education
Funding History
FY 2011-2024 Upward Bound Program 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 2023.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $379,875,608 | 1,026 | 73,519 | $370,249 | 72 | $5,167 |
| 2023 | $380,199,608 | 1,030 | 74,294 | $369,126 | 72 | $5,118 |
| 2022 | $366,203,750 | 1,023 | 73,994 | $357,970 | 72 | $4,949 |
| 2021 | $335,817,182 | 966 | 70,744 | $347,637 | 73 | $4,747 |
| 2020 | $352,094,127 | 966 | 70,711 | $364,487 | 73 | $4,979 |
| 2019 | $343,356,535 | 966 | 70,742 | $355,442 | 73 | $4,854 |
| 2018 | $355,592,015 | 967 | 70,914 | $367,727 | 73 | $5,014 |
| 2017 | $312,052,710 | 956 | 70,001 | $326,415 | 73 | $4,458 |
| 2016 | $270,228,385 | 810 | 61,747 | $333,615 | 76 | $4,376 |
| 2015 | $263,412,436 | 813 | 61,361 | $324,001 | 75 | $4,293 |
| 2014 | $264,578,959 | 814 | 61,458 | $325,036 | 76 | $4,305 |
| 2013i | $250,117,297 | 816 | 59,097 | $306,516 | 72 | $4,232 |
| 2012ii | $269,229,023 | 826 | 62,576 | $325,943 | 76 | $4,302 |
| 2011iii | $305,387,247 | 951 | 64,262 | $321,122 | 68 | $4,752 |
iTotal UB funding includes $331,884 from FY 2011 CCRAA funds which forward funded one UB grant for the 2013-14 project year.
iiTotal UB funding includes $1,092,718 from 2011 CCRAA funds which forward funded three UB grants for the 2012-13 project year.
iiiAmount includes $56,547,489, 176 awards and 11,078 participants from the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007.
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 program regulations
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 645
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 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 Applicants for New Awards for Fiscal Year 2022, published in the Federal Register.
Eligibility
Who May Apply:
- Institutions of higher education (IHEs)
- 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 have completed the 8th grade, be between the ages of 13 and 19, and have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education. All students must be either from low-income families or be potential first-generation college students. The program requires that two-thirds of the participants in a project must be both low-income and potential first-generation students. The remaining one-third must be either low-income, first-generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure.
- 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
- The Impact of Regular Upward Bound: Results from the Third Follow-up Data Collection (2004)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Upward Bound 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?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kinds 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 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.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
Any project assisted under the UB Program must provide:
- 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;
- 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; and
- 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 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.
An UB 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;
- Programs and activities 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; and
- Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the UB Program.
3. How often are competitions generally held?
The UB Program competition is held every four years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All UB grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average UB grant award amount is $321,079.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement?
The UB Program does not require cost sharing or matching.
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:
- The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant is eligible to participate in the project;
- The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant has a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school;
- The services that are provided to the participant;
- The educational progress of the participant during high school and, to the degree possible, during the participant's pursuit of a postsecondary education program; and
- To the extent practicable, any services the participant receives during the project year from another Federal TRIO program or another federally-funded program that serves populations similar to those served under the UB program.
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.
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.
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.
FY 2025
Total Projects: 1,000
FY 2024
Total Projects: 1,026
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
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Types of Projects
Upward Bound projects provide:
- Academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages
- Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, 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
All Upward Bound projects MUST provide instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language. Other services include:
- Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits
- Guidance and assistance on secondary school reentry, alternative education programs, or entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education
Funding History
FY 2011-2024 Upward Bound Program 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 2023.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $379,875,608 | 1,026 | 73,519 | $370,249 | 72 | $5,167 |
| 2023 | $380,199,608 | 1,030 | 74,294 | $369,126 | 72 | $5,118 |
| 2022 | $366,203,750 | 1,023 | 73,994 | $357,970 | 72 | $4,949 |
| 2021 | $335,817,182 | 966 | 70,744 | $347,637 | 73 | $4,747 |
| 2020 | $352,094,127 | 966 | 70,711 | $364,487 | 73 | $4,979 |
| 2019 | $343,356,535 | 966 | 70,742 | $355,442 | 73 | $4,854 |
| 2018 | $355,592,015 | 967 | 70,914 | $367,727 | 73 | $5,014 |
| 2017 | $312,052,710 | 956 | 70,001 | $326,415 | 73 | $4,458 |
| 2016 | $270,228,385 | 810 | 61,747 | $333,615 | 76 | $4,376 |
| 2015 | $263,412,436 | 813 | 61,361 | $324,001 | 75 | $4,293 |
| 2014 | $264,578,959 | 814 | 61,458 | $325,036 | 76 | $4,305 |
| 2013i | $250,117,297 | 816 | 59,097 | $306,516 | 72 | $4,232 |
| 2012ii | $269,229,023 | 826 | 62,576 | $325,943 | 76 | $4,302 |
| 2011iii | $305,387,247 | 951 | 64,262 | $321,122 | 68 | $4,752 |
iTotal UB funding includes $331,884 from FY 2011 CCRAA funds which forward funded one UB grant for the 2013-14 project year.
iiTotal UB funding includes $1,092,718 from 2011 CCRAA funds which forward funded three UB grants for the 2012-13 project year.
iiiAmount includes $56,547,489, 176 awards and 11,078 participants from the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007.
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 program regulations
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 645
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 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 Applicants for New Awards for Fiscal Year 2022, published in the Federal Register.
Eligibility
Who May Apply:
- Institutions of higher education (IHEs)
- 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 have completed the 8th grade, be between the ages of 13 and 19, and have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education. All students must be either from low-income families or be potential first-generation college students. The program requires that two-thirds of the participants in a project must be both low-income and potential first-generation students. The remaining one-third must be either low-income, first-generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure.
- 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
- The Impact of Regular Upward Bound: Results from the Third Follow-up Data Collection (2004)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Upward Bound 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?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kinds 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 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.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
Any project assisted under the UB Program must provide:
- 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;
- 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; and
- 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 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.
An UB 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;
- Programs and activities 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; and
- Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the UB Program.
3. How often are competitions generally held?
The UB Program competition is held every four years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All UB grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average UB grant award amount is $321,079.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement?
The UB Program does not require cost sharing or matching.
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:
- The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant is eligible to participate in the project;
- The basis for the grantee's determination that the participant has a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school;
- The services that are provided to the participant;
- The educational progress of the participant during high school and, to the degree possible, during the participant's pursuit of a postsecondary education program; and
- To the extent practicable, any services the participant receives during the project year from another Federal TRIO program or another federally-funded program that serves populations similar to those served under the UB program.
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.
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.
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.
FY 2025
Total Projects: 1,000
FY 2024
Total Projects: 1,026
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.