ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Summary of TRIO Upward Bound at USM
UB helps students to academically, financially, and socially, prepare for college.
TRIO Upward Bound (UB) is part of a family of eight federally funded TRIO Programs which, together, serve students in middle and high school as well as veterans, current college students, and adults.
TRIO Upward Bound prepares 9th-12th grade students for college by helping them get the tools and resources they need to succeed. During the program, 9th and 10th-grade students learn about careers, 11th-grade students focus on the college search and academics, and 12th=grade students work on college applications and learn how to apply for financial aid. Upward Bound at USM serves students at Biddeford, Massabesic, Sacopee Valley, Sanford, and Westbrook high schools.
What Does it Cost?
Nothing! Upward Bound pays for all costs through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, students can earn money through stipends for their participation!
Additionally, TRIO Upward Bound students are eligible for other financial benefits, such as college application fee waivers to most colleges. Students are also eligible for SAT fee waivers.
How Does It Work?
During the academic year, an Upward Bound advisor meets with each student once per week during the school day to work on academic, career, and college goals. During the summer, students attend the Summer Academy at the University of Southern Maine on the Gorham campus.
Academic Year Programming
In addition to meeting with students at their high schools during the school year, TRIO Upward Bound at USM also offers field trips to colleges in the spring and fall.
What is the Summer Academy?
Students stay in a residence hall at USM and eat meals in the dining hall with other UB students. While there, they prep for college with courses, college planning, electives, and field trips, all coordinated by Upward Bound.
Students typically stay for one week the summer prior to their sophomore year, five weeks prior to their junior year (with time home on weekends), and one week prior to their senior year.