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University of Iowa Upward Bound

University of Iowa Upward Bound is an academic program for eligible high school students from four southeastern Iowa communities. Students participate during the academic year at their local high school and attend a six-week residential program on the University of Iowa campus from mid-June through July. Participants take mathematics, science, language arts, computer technology, and foreign language courses to prepare them for classes they will take at their local high school in the fall. They also participate in extracurricular activities, field trips, and college visits.

Bridge students (those who will graduate from high school the following spring) enroll in a University course during the eight-week summer session. Bridge students participate in an on-campus job shadow and take a transition to college seminar.

Participants receive all services at no cost.

To be admitted to University of Iowa Upward Bound, students must:

reside in the target area and attend a target school;

be in grade 9 or 10;

have a family income that meets U.S. Department of Education low-income guidelines;

be a potential first-generation college student; and

show need for Upward Bound services.

Upward Bound provides services to students until they graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education. 

The University of Iowa Upward Bound Project serves students attending high schools in Columbus Junction, Davenport, Muscatine, and West Liberty, Iowa. Other postsecondary institutions in Iowa also sponsor Upward Bound programs. High school students who do not attend schools served by The University of Iowa's program should ask their counselors whether an Upward Bound program serves their area.

For more information, contact University of Iowa Upward Bound, The University of Iowa.