Program Description
Veterans Upward Bound is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.
Additional Information
All Veterans Upward Bound projects must provide instruction in mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition and literature. Projects may also provide short-term remedial or refresher courses for veterans who are high school graduates but have delayed pursuing postsecondary education. Projects are also expected to assist veterans in securing support services from other locally available resources such as the Veterans Administration, state veterans agencies, veteran associations, and other state and local agencies that serve veterans.
Other services include:
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants
- 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 in alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to receipt of a regular secondary school diploma, entry into general education development (GED) programs or postsecondary education
Funding History
FY 2011-2024 Veterans 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 2024.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $22,253,222 | 68 | 8,973 | $327,253 | 132 | $2,480 |
| 2023 | $22,066,756 | 68 | 8,973 | $324,511 | 132 | $2,459 |
| 2022 | $20,557,756 | 65 | 8,598 | $316,273 | 132 | $2,391 |
| 2021 | $18,815,149 | 60 | 7,898 | $313,586 | 132 | $2,382 |
| 2020 | $19,228,457 | 60 | 7,898 | $320,474 | 132 | $2,435 |
| 2019 | $19,064,429 | 62 | 8,157 | $307,491 | 132 | $2,337 |
| 2018 | $18,384,370 | 62 | 8,157 | $296,522 | 132 | $2,254 |
| 2017 | $18,186,172 | 64 | 8,407 | $284,159 | 131 | $2,163 |
| 2016 | $13,852,595 | 49 | 6,587 | $282,706 | 134 | $2,103 |
| 2015 | $13,548,241 | 49 | 6,566 | $276,495 | 134 | $2,063 |
| 2014 | $13,706,511 | 49 | 6,566 | $279,725 | 134 | $2,087 |
| 2013 | $13,068,144 | 50 | 6,404 | $261,363 | 128 | $2,041 |
| 2012 | $14,392,377 | 51 | 6,831 | $282,203 | 134 | $2,107 |
| 2011 | $13,180,173 | 47 | 5,780 | $280,429 | 123 | $2,280 |
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 Veterans 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, 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.
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 purpose of the program, secondary schools
Participant Eligibility
Participants must meet military service requirements stipulated in the authorizing statute and be low-income, prospective first-generation college students who are preparing to enter a postsecondary institution. The program requires that at least two-thirds of the participants in a project be both low-income and first-generation. The remaining participants must be either low-income or first-generation military veterans who served in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 180 days and received other than a dishonorable discharge; was discharged because of a service connected disability; was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days; or was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001; and have a high risk for academic failure.
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 on April 26, 2022.
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Veterans Upward Bound Program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average 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 Veterans Upward Bound Program?
The purpose of the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program is to assist veterans in preparing for entry in and completion of a program of postsecondary education.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
A Veterans Upward Bound Program must provide the following services:
- Academic tutoring to enable participant 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 participants, 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;
- Provide intensive basic skills development in those academic subjects required for completion of a high school equivalency program and for admission to postsecondary education programs;
- Provide short-term remedial or refresher courses for veterans who are high school graduates but who have delayed pursuing postsecondary education. If the grantee is an institution of higher education, these courses shall not duplicate courses otherwise available to veterans at the institution;
- Assist veterans in securing support services from other locally available resources such as Veterans Administration, State veterans agencies, veterans associations, and other state and local agencies that serve veterans; and
- Provide special services, including mathematics and science preparation, to enable veterans to make the transition to postsecondary education.
3. How often are competitions held?
The VUB Program competition is held every four years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All VUB grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average grant amount?
The average VUB grant award amount is $280,429.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
The VUB 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 VUB Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report (APR) documenting the progress being made towards meeting the approved 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 VUB 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?
- Academic instruction in reading, writing, math, science, foreign languages and other subjects as needed
- Assistance in course selection
- Assistance with completing college admissions applications
- Information on financial aid
- Conducting individual participant needs assessment
- Development of participant Individual Education Plan
- Providing information and counseling on college selection
- Assistance through preparation for college entrance examinations
- Cultural enrichment activities
FY 2025
Total Projects: 62
FY 2024
Total Projects: 68
FY 2023
Total Projects: 68
FY 2022
Total Projects: 65
FY 2021
Total Projects: 60
Program Description
Veterans Upward Bound is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.
Additional Information
All Veterans Upward Bound projects must provide instruction in mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition and literature. Projects may also provide short-term remedial or refresher courses for veterans who are high school graduates but have delayed pursuing postsecondary education. Projects are also expected to assist veterans in securing support services from other locally available resources such as the Veterans Administration, state veterans agencies, veteran associations, and other state and local agencies that serve veterans.
Other services include:
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants
- 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 in alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to receipt of a regular secondary school diploma, entry into general education development (GED) programs or postsecondary education
Funding History
FY 2011-2024 Veterans 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 2024.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $22,253,222 | 68 | 8,973 | $327,253 | 132 | $2,480 |
| 2023 | $22,066,756 | 68 | 8,973 | $324,511 | 132 | $2,459 |
| 2022 | $20,557,756 | 65 | 8,598 | $316,273 | 132 | $2,391 |
| 2021 | $18,815,149 | 60 | 7,898 | $313,586 | 132 | $2,382 |
| 2020 | $19,228,457 | 60 | 7,898 | $320,474 | 132 | $2,435 |
| 2019 | $19,064,429 | 62 | 8,157 | $307,491 | 132 | $2,337 |
| 2018 | $18,384,370 | 62 | 8,157 | $296,522 | 132 | $2,254 |
| 2017 | $18,186,172 | 64 | 8,407 | $284,159 | 131 | $2,163 |
| 2016 | $13,852,595 | 49 | 6,587 | $282,706 | 134 | $2,103 |
| 2015 | $13,548,241 | 49 | 6,566 | $276,495 | 134 | $2,063 |
| 2014 | $13,706,511 | 49 | 6,566 | $279,725 | 134 | $2,087 |
| 2013 | $13,068,144 | 50 | 6,404 | $261,363 | 128 | $2,041 |
| 2012 | $14,392,377 | 51 | 6,831 | $282,203 | 134 | $2,107 |
| 2011 | $13,180,173 | 47 | 5,780 | $280,429 | 123 | $2,280 |
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 Veterans 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, 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.
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 purpose of the program, secondary schools
Participant Eligibility
Participants must meet military service requirements stipulated in the authorizing statute and be low-income, prospective first-generation college students who are preparing to enter a postsecondary institution. The program requires that at least two-thirds of the participants in a project be both low-income and first-generation. The remaining participants must be either low-income or first-generation military veterans who served in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 180 days and received other than a dishonorable discharge; was discharged because of a service connected disability; was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days; or was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001; and have a high risk for academic failure.
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 on April 26, 2022.
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Veterans Upward Bound Program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average 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 Veterans Upward Bound Program?
The purpose of the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program is to assist veterans in preparing for entry in and completion of a program of postsecondary education.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
A Veterans Upward Bound Program must provide the following services:
- Academic tutoring to enable participant 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 participants, 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;
- Provide intensive basic skills development in those academic subjects required for completion of a high school equivalency program and for admission to postsecondary education programs;
- Provide short-term remedial or refresher courses for veterans who are high school graduates but who have delayed pursuing postsecondary education. If the grantee is an institution of higher education, these courses shall not duplicate courses otherwise available to veterans at the institution;
- Assist veterans in securing support services from other locally available resources such as Veterans Administration, State veterans agencies, veterans associations, and other state and local agencies that serve veterans; and
- Provide special services, including mathematics and science preparation, to enable veterans to make the transition to postsecondary education.
3. How often are competitions held?
The VUB Program competition is held every four years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All VUB grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average grant amount?
The average VUB grant award amount is $280,429.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
The VUB 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 VUB Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report (APR) documenting the progress being made towards meeting the approved 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 VUB 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?
- Academic instruction in reading, writing, math, science, foreign languages and other subjects as needed
- Assistance in course selection
- Assistance with completing college admissions applications
- Information on financial aid
- Conducting individual participant needs assessment
- Development of participant Individual Education Plan
- Providing information and counseling on college selection
- Assistance through preparation for college entrance examinations
- Cultural enrichment activities
FY 2025
Total Projects: 62
FY 2024
Total Projects: 68
FY 2023
Total Projects: 68
FY 2022
Total Projects: 65
FY 2021
Total Projects: 60