Upward Bound

Work for Upward Bound

Upward Bound is currently seeking qualified applicants for summer employment.

  • Summer Mentor- Applicants must currently be an Appalachian State University sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student, or graduate who is interested in working with high school students and has a strong academic record.
  • Research Leader - Applicants must be current App State faculty, graduate students, recent graduates, undergraduates, or staff. Complete this form to be considered. 

Upward Bound is a federally funded, early intervention program that helps high school students develop the skills and motivation they need to succeed in high school. Students are provided with the necessary tools and resources to enter and be successful in college. To achieve these goals, Upward Bound provides academic support, social and cultural enrichment, and opportunities for personal growth, to qualifying students, free of cost.

Students who are in 9th or 10th grade, exhibit academic potential, and show a desire to enroll in college are encouraged to apply to the Upward Bound program. Participants remain in the Upward Bound program through graduation from high school.

Apply Now

This application will take you about 30 minutes to complete and you will need information from your parents.

Apply for Ashe, Avery, Watauga, West Wilkes High Schools


Apply for Alleghany, Freedom, McDowell High Schools

Current Upward Bound Students

Are you already a student that is participating in Upward Bound? Visit our UB student website that includes handbook and policies, Summer Academy information and Academic Year resources.

Services & Programming

Academic Year Activities

  • Participate in various academic and personal enrichment activities
  • Weekend Academy includes tutoring programs, SAT/ACT preparation, personal development activities, college visits
  • Weekly one-on-one meetings with Upward Bound academic coordinators

Summer Academy

Six-week residential program on App State's campus provides exposure to college and on-campus living

  • 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

Latest News

UB and CAC Collaborate at Orientation

Upward Bound Orientation Brings CAP Collaboration Opportunity
Apr 10, 2024

Each Spring, newly accepted Upward Bound scholars and their families join current UB students at the annual Upward Bound Orientation.

Upward Bound's Jessica Dale Finalist for 4 Under 40 Awards
Mar 12, 2024

College Access Partnership’s staff member Jessica Dale is recognized as a finalist for the 8th annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

UB Scholars dye discs for disc golf.

Upward Bound Disc Golf Exploration
Oct 10, 2023

“My hope was that this would be an experience that they bring back home with them to encourage them to get outside and be active while playi