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Upward Bound is a program funded by the Department of Education. Upward Bound is designed to prepare students for post-secondary education by offering academic skills development, college counseling and support, and motivation in order to excel in all aspects of their lives. Students meet on Saturdays during the academic year and participate in a six-week program at George Washington University campus during the summer.

The Upward Bound Program maintains an innovative and non-traditional partnership by collaborating with The Latin American Youth Center (a well known community organization, where the program is housed); The National Council of La Raza (a major national civil rights organization), and The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (a well-respected research-based university). This consortium was designed to assist groups typically underserved by federal programming: the Latino, language-minority community.

About Our Students

Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and/or from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. Of the four Upward Bound programs in the District, the NCLR Upward Bound program at the Latin American Youth Center is the only one that specifically serves the Latino community. The program has also come to include a substantial number of African-American students due to the diversity of the Columbia Heights neighborhood. This unique collaboration and program model has facilitated success to the NCLR Upward Bound Program, for each partner brings their own expertise and resources to the program.Summer College Program at the George Washington University.

What We Offer Our Students

• Academic advising and personal counseling with an emphasis on the college application process; securing financial aid; and preparing for the transition from high school to college.
• A diverse pool of volunteers provide one-on-one and small group academic assistance during weekly tutoring sessions to students. Tutoring is offered Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm year round.
• Qualified part-time staff and successfully proven curriculum create Upward Bound's Saturday Academy sessions which focus on the core academic subjects: Mathematics (Algebra 1 through Calculus); English (Composition, Literature, and Public Speaking); and Computer Applications.
• College and university tours in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, as well as out of state.
• Cultural, educational, and recreational activities.

The College Experience

All Upward Bound students gainexperience living and studying in a college environment through ourcollaborative partnership with the George Washington University. During a six-week summer program, students are exposed to:

• Enrichment in academic core curriculum;
• Personal development through workshops and extracurricular programming;
• A three-week college campus residential component;
• Educational and supplemental field trips in and outside of the District of Columbia.

Student Eligibility

Students must...

• Be a US citizen or Permanent Resident;
• Have a strong desire to attend college;
• Be of a low-income household OR be the first generation in family to attend college;
• Commit to attending Upward Bound's school year and summer programs;
• Attend one of Upward Bound's target schools (Lincoln Multicultural Middle School; Garnett Patterson Middle School; Francis Junior High School; Deal Junior High School; McFarland Middle School; Columbia Heights Education Campus- formerly Bell Multicultural High School; Cesar Chavez Public Charter; Cardozo High School; or Roosevelt High School).

Student Application Process

• Completed Upward Bound application (accepted each January, May, and September); Click here to download application;
• One Letter of Recommendation from Guidance Counselor;
• Two Letters of Recommendation from Teachers;
• Student interview;
• Parent/Guardian interview;
• Copy of most recent Report Card and/or Transcript.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE

Contact Information

Barlow Flores
Program Director
202.319.3082
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Tuwanda Jackson
Senior Academic Advisor
202.319.2285
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