The Upward Bound Program at Harris-Stowe State University is designed to prepare low-income and potential first-generation college high school students for successful postsecondary education.
Students must have completed the 8th grade, be between the ages of 13 and 19 and have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education. High school students who attend any one of five St. Louis area schools are eligible for participation.
Upward Bound is an on-going academic experience beginning when the student enters the program and ending when the student is enrolled in a postsecondary institution. The program is year-round and has three major components:
Academic Year Component
- During the academic year, students participate in the Saturday Enrichment Program, which provides academic courses and instruction for increasing test scores on the ACT and Missouri Assessment Placement exam.
- Educational, career and personal assessments to assist in developing an individual support plan.
- Weekly tutorials and counseling sessions that focus on personal growth and development, cultural and social enrichment.
- College preparation services including academic advising, ACT tests, fee waiver, assistance with college and financial aid applications, and the college selection process.
Summer Component
- Courses in core subjects that strengthen academic skills and abilities during high school. These courses are taught in small classes, which allow for maximum interaction with teachers.
- Paid work-study internships designed to expose students to occupations that require college completion and expose them to their chosen careers.
- A variety of academic, social and cultural activities planned to expose students to new experiences that enhances self-esteem, provide opportunities for personal growth and development and build social skills.
- Participate in educational, cultural and recreational field trips.
- 11th and 12th grade students may be housed in the school dormitory.
- Students may attend the several internship and or resident programs: Southern Illinois (SIUE) engineering program, Wichita State Math and Science Program and others.
- Eligible high school 12th grade students may participate in the Co-op program.
Summer Bridge Program
- Seniors who graduate can participate in a summer “bridge program” that enables them to attend Harris-Stowe State University during the summer prior to their enrollment in college. Tuition, books and other fees are paid by the program. Students may receive six hours of transferable credit to the college of their choice.
- Bridge scholarships are valued between $1200-$1500.
Upward Bound Newsletters
Check out the Upward Bound newsletters to read about the Upward Bound field trips, accomplishments of the student participants, letters from the Upward Bound director and more!
For More Information
For more information, please contact:
Upward Bound Director
Ruth LaValle
Office: HGA 004
Phone: (314) 340-3553
LaValleR@hssu.edu
