Although recruitment is a year round event, it is most heavily stressed at the beginning of the fall high school year semester. This is because those students who belonged to the program prior to high school graduation also graduate from Upward Bound at the end of the first summer college semester. These students are referred to as 'Bridge' students. Those slots need to be filled by sincere students who want to obtain academic support while striving for post secondary education. Recruitment is targeted toward students in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade.
Priority is given to students who meet the two thirds criteria .
Student applicants must display a positive interest in their present education through attendance and participation, as well as future college education aspirations.