Upward Bound Classic Program

The goal of the Upward Bound Classic Program is improving the graduation rates of high school students and increasing the number of UBC graduates who enter colleges and universities. Upward Bound Classic offers two strands: a school year program that works with 13 high schools in Alaska, called "target schools," along with a six-week summer residential program held on the UAF campus, and the Pathways-2-College bridging program.

Upward Bound Classic serves 140 low-income first generation college students who demonstrate potential for academic success and whose parents have not earned college degrees. Services offered in UB target schools include tutorial sessions; educational, recreational or cultural events; group activities; exploration of postsecondary education opportunities and visits to campuses; financial aid application assistance; and participation in the six-week summer program on the UAF campus. The residential summer program emphasizes academic development for 40 target school students selected for participation and strengthens opportunities for enrollment in postsecondary education programs. The summer experience helps UBC students become familiar with the UAF campus, residence life, services provided and, most importantly, places an emphasis on academics.

Selection is based on a UBC student's participation and demonstrated commitment to attend college as a full-time student within a year following high school graduation. Pathway students have a unique opportunity to begin their academic postsecondary experience and gain a better understanding of the rigors of college life. These 10 students each year will have an early opportunity to experience residential campus life and university level studies with the support and guidance of UBC staff mentors. Students selected to attend will earn 6 - 7 college credits during the first six-week summer session at UAF. This program is only available to active Upward Bound Target School participants who have completed their junior year of high school and graduating seniors. Upward Bound Classic is a federally funded U.S. Department of Education TRiO program.

For more information, call 907-474-5685, email ub.classic@alaska.edu.