The curriculum includes, but is not limited to, course work in mathematics, science, English, computers, and engineering design. Students with demonstrated abilities for success in business-related coursework are selected from schools in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties and meet every other Saturday during the academic school year, as well as for five weeks during the summer months. The program offers academic enrichment in mathematics, science, English, computing and economics courses. Students are also exposed to the college and corporate environments as they participate in professional and academic development workshops. Students live in residence halls on the Newark campus for the two weeks and attend either the academic program, consisting of discussions, lectures, debates, and films revolving around a specific theme, or the visual and performing arts program, which provides tutorial instruction with a noted artist and culminates in a performance or public display of work.
Students select two classes from a curriculum of nine traditional and innovative courses.
On successful completion of the courses, they earn regular University of Delaware credit, which many colleges and universities accept as transfer credit. The deadline for applications to the program is April 15. The program provides participants with a variety of academic enrichment and academic support services. Selected students must demonstrate the potential for education beyond high school. Through participation in the University of Delaware Upward Bound Program, students will learn the necessary academic skills needed to enroll in a college or university.