Students are initially referred through high school counselors and other students. Charlie then provides the prospective Upward Bounders with an application and tells them about the program, criteria, and expectations. He gives them background information before they move on to the formal process of applying. The application process involves checking to see if the student meets the low income, first generation criteria. At this point, Luecke reviews the students high school transcripts and attendance records.
Attendance is an important indicator because it reflects a work ethic.
Although Luecke does look at extra curricular activities, it is balanced with the student's other accomplishments because some kids just don't have the time or money for outside activities. At this point an interview is scheduled between Luecke and the student. Charlie discusses with the student his post secondary goals. He says the most difficult part of the job is the kids are spread throughout the state and the great distances sometimes make it hard to deliver services. It can be hard to coordinate schedules between a student and a tutor, just because he is so far away from where that service needs to be provided.