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Upward Bound

About the Program

The South Seattle College TRIO Upward Bound Program (UB) is funded by the US Department of Education and serves selected students at the Tyee and Evergreen High Schools in the Highline School District.  UB provides low-income and potential first-generation students with college access programming and opportunities to improve their skills and motivation to complete high school, go to college, and graduate from college.

UB Students Are Dedicated!  Upward Bound students create a supportive, non-judgmental environment to encourage each other in reaching their goals of finishing high school, gaining access to college, and completing a two or four-year degree.

Services Offered

Summer Academy:

UB students immerse themselves in a six-week non-residential summer program held on the South Seattle College campus. Students participate in an integrated curriculum on core academic subjects including math, science, foreign language, writing, SAT test prep, arts and college preparation coursework.

Summer Academy students are focused on academic coursework four days a week. Generally, on Friday's staff and student leaders facilitate field trips consisting of service learning, cultural, and college related experiences.

Academic Year:

Certified teaching staff offer credit bearing UB classes on the master schedule at the target schools. The class curriculum covers various academic and personal development subjects as well as college preparation topics. Services for Upward Bound students include:

  • Academic advising
  • College and career exploration and planning
  • Study skills and test-taking strategies
  • Tutoring in academic subjects
  • Educational field trips

Student Recruitment & Requirements for Participation:

Recruitment: 

The UB recruitment process begins in January for both Tyee and Evergreen High Schools. Current school year freshman students are offered the opportunity to apply for one of the limited spots in the program. Students fill out an application form and answer essay questions. Applicants interview for the chance to be a part of the program. Once interviews are completed, a selection committee recommends a cohort of UB students for participation in UB for four years of active college access programming.

Students interested in applying to the program should contact the UB staff member <Link to Staff page> at their particular school.

To participate in Upward Bound, students must met the following requirements:

  • Attend either Tyee High School or Evergreen High School
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Must demonstrate a need for academic support, as verified by UB staff, in order to successfully pursue a program of education beyond high school.
  • At the time of initial selection, participants must have completed the eighth grade but not entered the twelfth grade. They must be at least 13 years old but not older than 19.
  • Two-thirds (2/3) of the participants are required to be both low-income and first-generation college bound students. The annual low-income levels are provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.