Program Information
Topics
Historical
Perspective
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Pre-College Upward Bound Program
is a pre-college program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education
for high school students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Upward
Bound programs have been in existence over 35 years across the country and
been at the University of Tennessee since 1981. Upward Bound programs were
specifically created to help potential first-generation college students and students
from families who meet income guidlines established by the federal government
graduate from high school, attend college, and reach their full potential
while in college. The program provides tutoring, ACT preparation, college
and career information, instruction in academics, cultural enrichment
and social counseling on a one-to-one basis with students in the program. It also gives
students a chance to experience what college might be like
following the 10th and 11th grade through a six-week residential program on The
University of Tennessee's campus during the summer.
Who
is Eligible?
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Pre-College Upward Bound Programs
accepts applications and nominations from the 10th and 11th graders.
Students entering the Pre-College Upward Bound Program must be enrolled in one
of the following high schools: Alcoa, Carter, Heritage, Sevier County,
Seymour, South Doyle, West and William Blount High School.
1. Meet family income guidelines established by the federal government
2. Be a potential first generation college student (neither parent has a 4-yr. college degree)
3. Complete the entire application package
4. Complete an interview at UTK with at least one parent/guardian
5. Provide at least two recommendations from current high school guidance counselor and one teacher
6. Provide signed commitment of parental support
7. Want to pursue a career that requires a college education
8. Demonstrate a willingness and desire to actively participate in all program activities;
How To Apply
Step 1: Get an application from your high school guidance counselor,
printing one from here,
or by calling the Pre-College Upward Bound office at (865) 974-4466
to have one mailed to you.
Step 2:Complete the entire application
and return it to your high school guidance counselor.
Step 3: A Pre-College Upward Bound staff member will contact you within one week after your application is received to provide you more details about your application.
Student Responsibilities
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Pre-College Upward Bound Program
staff realizes that it takes a very special student to be considered
for its Upward Bound Program. Each Upward Bounder upon acceptance makes
a commitment to the following:
- Attend 16 Saturday Sessions;
- Attend fieldtrips to various colleges and universities throughout the year;
- Attend weekly check-ins at their high schools with the Upward Bound staff members;
- Commit to enrolling in college prep classes at their high schools each semester
- Commit to attending a 6 week residential Summer component at UTK;
Saturday Session
There are 16 Saturday Sessions held on the UTK campus for students in
the Pre-College Upward Bound program throughout the academic year. They
are combinations of academics, tutoring, college visits, and cultural enrichment
activities. Most Saturday Sessions
consist of classes in math, science, and English classes, along with
foreign language, ACT prep, scholar's bowl, and math and science tutoring. Other
Saturday Sessions may consist of visiting local college campuses around
the area or attending a play, art museum, or other cultural activities.
Saturday Sessions are for the benefit of the students in that they help
them with academics, college planning, and cultural enrichment while
in high school.
Volunteer Society
The Volunteer Society is an opportunity for students to show their commitment
to Pre-College Upward Bound through participation in check-ins, Saturday
Session, good grades and community service, and by going the extra mile
to reach their goals. Being a member of the Volunteer Society allows
students to attend special field trips, to have a longer lunch hour, to be a
buddy to a new student, to be a teacher's aide, and to have a leadership role
in the Pre-College Upward Bound Program. Students are selected twice
yearly and chosen based on eligibility requirements, completion of the Volunteer
Society application, submission of an Upward Bound Portfolio, and a
personal interview with the Volunteer Society Review Board.
Summer
Component
The Pre-College Upward Bound summer component is a six-week residential
camp at The University of Tennessee that gives students a chance to
experience what college life is like first hand. The students live in a residence
hall while taking academic classes in science, English, math, foreign language,
computer, and ACT prep that will prepare them for their classes the
following year in school. They also have an opportunity to attend lectures given
by guest speakers about careers, colleges, financial aid, and college life;
participate in recreational activities such as sports, scholar's bowl
and movies; and special events across The University of Tennessee campus.
At the end of the Summer component students may have an opportunity participate
in a 3-day trip to places of interest like Washington, D.C., Chicago,
and Williamsburg.
Bridge
Component
The bridge component offers a unique opportunity for students who excel
during their Upward Bound experience. Seniors apply for a bridge slot
in early January. Students selected for bridge attend UTK during the summer
immediately following their high school graduation. Students are required
to take English 101, English 102 and two physical education classes.
Tutoring and counseling are also available through the Upward Bound office. All
services, tuition, and fees are paid by the Upward Bound Program and this total
scholarship equals almost $4000 per student!
Staff
Promise
The Pre-College Upward Bound staff is committed to providing quality services to our students. We do not take our jobs lightly! Our commitment to you is the following: if you ever feel that we are not doing our jobs to your satisfaction, please let us know. We will take every measure to correct our actions and get back on track immediately!
Pre-College
Upward Bound Schools
- Alcoa
- Carter
- Heritage
- Sevier County
- Seymour
- South Doyle
- West
- William Blount High
Contact:
PCUB
Nancy Headlee, Director
1914 Andy Holt Ave
25 HPER Building
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-4466
Fax: (865) 974-3961
Email: nheadlee@utk.edu
