In order to apply to participate in Upward Bound, students must meet the following requirements:
- Student must attend Alleghany, Ashe County, Avery County, McDowell, Freedom, Watauga, or West Wilkes High Schools
- Student must be in 9th grade (10th grade in special circumstances)
- Student must demonstrate the academic potential and desire to attend college
- Student will be the first generation in his/her family to go to college and/or come from a modest-income household.
- Student has an academic need as determined by an Upward Bound Academic Coordinator