FAQs

Upward Bound is a pre-college experience program for eligible high school students in Pender County. The mission of Upward Bound is to inspire, prepare, and support low-income and/or first-generation students in their journey into higher education. We focus on the academic well-being of our students by providing:

• In-person and online tutoring services
• Academic advising
• College tours
• SAT and ACT Exam Prep
• Leadership Coaching
• Summer Camp
• Cultural field trips

and so many more opportunities for them!

There is no cost to our students or their families. We are a grant-funded program, which means we cover the cost for our students to participate in any of the events that we plan, as well as any meals or travel expenses.

The application is open online. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as our program has limited seats.

Students can apply as early as the second semester of their 8th Grade year. Current 8th graders apply to the program for admission into the Summer Program preceding their Freshmen Year. Students enrolled in the service area high schools- Pender High School, Heide Trask High School, and Pender Early College (with a home base high school of PHS or HTHS) are welcome to apply anytime.

The Summer Program is an interactive 6-week program that includes engaging academic sessions, project-based learning, field trips, college visits, and cultural excursions. More information is coming soon!

Tutoring is provided in-person as a part of our Saturday Academy. Students who do not need tutoring may work on homework or use the time to study. They may also serve as a peer tutor to assist others.

In addition, we are partnered with an online tutoring service, which provides support in a variety of subjects virtually, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each student is provided 15 hours of free tutoring per semester, but we can always add more if necessary.

Participation:
We want you to be an active member of our program, and for you to take advantage of all the opportunities we are offering. We host events and study sessions regularly, and expect our students to come to a majority of them. Participation also determines how much your stipend (money paid to you) will be every semester.

GPA:
We want to see our students succeed! Students should maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA at the end of the academic year to remain in good standing with Upward Bound. Students who fall below this threshold will have 1 semester to improve their GPA and regain good standing status.

Communication:

• Read the Newsletter
• Respond to emails and email us whenever!
• Let us know ASAP for RSVPs and Cancellations
• Stop by during campus office hours
• Be engaged – Ask questions!

A stipend is money that is paid to our students for participating in the program. There is a set amount that can be given. You must be an active participant in order to receive funding.

Our expectation is that you have meaningful interactions throughout the semester or summer by attending advising sessions, field trips, tutoring, test preparation, financial aid sessions, college visits, etc.

These stipends are paid, via a check in the Student’s name, in one lump sum at the end of each semester and at the end of the Summer Program.