Our Mission 

The UNT Upward Bound program helps first-generation, income-eligible college-bound students successfully graduate high school and transition to college by providing academic and summer programming and support services.  Students leave the program empowered to advocate for themselves and thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

Our Vision

The UNT Upward Bound program will transform our students and benefit the world around us by developing students who graduate from college with a post-secondary degree and who create a ripple effect of change within their family and their community.

Our Goal

The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which pre-college participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Our Success

West Grant (federally verified, 2024-25)

  • 97% of participants held a 2.5+ GPA
  • 100% secondary school retention/graduation rate
  • 92% postsecondary enrollment rate
  • 64% of the 2019 cohort earned a college degree within six years, well above the 42% federal benchmark

East Grant (from the official one-pager, 2024-25)

  • 98% of non-seniors promoted to the next grade level
  • 100% of seniors graduated
  • 100% of college-ready participants enrolled in postsecondary education
  • Six-year college completion data not yet available; East Grant was newly funded in 2022

Schools UB Serves

The program is sponsored by the University of North Texas and is limited to serving only 146 students annually in Denton County and surrounding areas.  Upward Bound serves the following schools:

East Grant Schools
Aubrey High School
Braswell High School
Krum High School
Little Elm High School
West Grant Schools
Denton High School
Ryan High School
Sanger High School

Academic Year Component

During the academic year component, students attend approximately 20 bi-monthly Saturday meetings on the UNT campus. Other services include campus visits, field trips, and tutoring.

Saturdays:
On specified Saturday mornings, meetings begin at 8:45 am and end at 1:05 pm. Granola bars, fruit, yogurt, and juice are available. Upward Bound has a general meeting before activities begin to inform students of any events and to talk about current business. After the general meeting, students participate in a variety of activities including tutoring, academic classes, enrichment activities, and workshops. 
Mid-Week Online Tutoring and In-Person Saturday Tutoring
Tutors are available during the week online by appointment to assist students who require extra help in their academic subjects.
School Visits
Upward Bound visits students in their schools throughout the academic year to provide academic and personal advising.

 

Summer Component

Students participate in a six-week residential summer component on the UNT campus. The summer component allows students to experience college life by taking academic classes, receiving counseling, and participating in various activities and enrichment events. At the beginning of each summer, Upward Bound provides students and their families with a summer events calendar, with dates for check-in and check-out, field trips, and evening activities.  

Most importantly, is this free?

Yes! This program is completely free as it is a federally funded program designed to help low-income and first-generation students have the support needed to get to their dream careers.

What is TRIO Upward Bound?

The TRIO Upward Bound program at the University of North Texas provides participants with an intensive academic experience on Saturdays and for six weeks each summer on the UNT campus. The curriculum includes academic instruction, personal mentoring, financial aid counseling, standardized test preparation, opportunities for college site visits, and assistance with college and financial aid applications.

How is Upward Bound different from a regular tutoring program or after-school club?

Upward Bound goes beyond academics to support the whole student. Through initiatives like the RISE UP peer mentoring program, students are paired with upperclassmen mentors who help them feel connected and supported. The program also provides resources addressing students' broader needs, including food and beverages during programming, housing during the six-week summer component, and connections to school and community resources. Positive behavior and engagement are reinforced through the SOAR Bucks system, which students redeem for supplies and support items.

Who funds Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program administered through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education.
Is Upward Bound only for students who want to attend UNT?
No. While the program is hosted on UNT's campus, Upward Bound alumni attend a wide range of colleges and universities. For example, past participants have gone on to schools including the University of North Texas and Texas State University.

 

Learn More

For more information about TRIO Upward Bound please email us at untupwardbound@unt.edu.