Program Overview

TRIO Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded college access program that serves high school students from low-income backgrounds and those who would be the first-generation in their families to complete a bachelor's degree. In 2017, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) was awarded two UB grants serving students in grades 9-12 at West and Bartlett High Schools in the Anchorage School District.

UB prepares students to successfully complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education by providing year-round academic advising, career exploration, tutoring, college planning, college tours, cultural enrichment experiences, leadership opportunities, and more. The program also emphasizes academic preparation in science, math, world languages, and literature by offering a highly challenging and engaging academic summer component. Graduating seniors who intend to enroll in college immediately after high school have the opportunity to complete a summer bridge program meant to help facilitate the transition to college. All services are offered at no cost to students.

Despite the barriers presented by the ongoing global pandemic, UAA's UB programs have continued to offer support and engagement through virtual, hybrid, and in-person programming.