Summer Academy

Each summer, Upward Bound students participate in a six-week residential program on Appalachian State’s campus. This provides exposure to college and on-campus living. During the program, students:

• Enroll in courses in core subjects such as math, science, and English, as well as electives related to visual arts, performing arts, and physical education

• Engage in community service projects

• Visit college campuses across the state of North Carolina

• Travel to various locations such as Washington D.C. and the North Carolina coast

NOTE: Students spend weekends at home during this six-week program.

Rising 12th Graders

On Campus Program

The Summer Academy for rising seniors kicks off with two weeks on campus at Appalachian State University. Rising seniors will live in the dorm (Dogwood Residence Hall 240 Hardin Street, Boone, NC 28608) on campus at App State while participating in sessions to prepare for college, scholarship, and financial aid applications. During this week, we will focus on academic, personal, and social preparation for students’ senior year of high school by researching colleges, acceptance criteria, cost of attendance, deadlines, scholarships, and financial aid requirements. Students will also continue to write their personal statements and admissions essays, update or create a resume, and participate in fun activities such as hiking, swimming, movie nights, rock wall climbing, and kayaking. Students will visit a variety of campuses and meet with admissions officers and student ambassadors to get to know each college. 

Work Study

This year, our rising senior students will have the opportunity to live at home for part of the summer to carry out a work- study. This can be job shadowing, volunteering, or continuing working at their current job in order to gain valuable first-hand work experience and develop real-world career skills. Students will receive a stipend in the fall semester for participating in the work-study as long as they turn in the completed work-study contract and time log. Students must work, volunteer, or job shadow for a total of 30 hours during this time. During these weeks, UB staff and RAs will travel to visit each student at their work site while they are working.

Senior Check List

Throughout the summer until the end of August, seniors will complete a checklist that will help them be ready for the college application process this fall. More details will be given during the on-campus session. All assignments are due by August 31st.

Stipends

The stipends for the summer program will be tied to attendance for the session on campus, completion of the senior checklist to include a completed essay and a 30-hour work-study. Each senior will have an individual college portfolio folder in their app state k12 Gmail that they will share with parents.

Rising 10th and 11th Graders

Residential at Appalachian State University for six weeks starting the third week of June.