In addition to classes, participants attend sessions designed to stimulate growth in the areas of self-awareness, relationship development and conflict resolution. Seminars are presented on such topics as test taking, note taking, stress reduction, and time management. Each student is provided the resources to assess personal career options and the opportunity to speak with professionals in those career fields. Detailed information on the process of college selection, college admission and financial aid packaging provided. Upward Bound participants receive room, food, recreation opportunities, travel, health insurance, classes, cultural and educational field trips free of charge.
Students receive a bimonthly stipend for successful participation in the summer component.
Under the authority of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the Office of Economic Opportunity funded 17 Upward Bound projects as a pilot program in the summer of 1965. In 1966, Upward Bound was authorized as a national program under Title II.A of the Economic Opportunity Act.