Upward Bound | Oklahoma State University

About Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program. The goal of the program is to assist high school students in achieving a college education.

The Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City Upward Bound program has operated since 1995. The program is approved to serve 78 students collectively from two target high schools: Western Heights and Putnam City West.

The OSU-Oklahoma City Upward Bound program offers year-round support to participating students throughout their high school years. Once students are accepted into the program they remain in the program until they graduate from high school providing they continue to fulfill the program requirements. After graduation, students can earn up to six credit hours of summer college classes on the OSU-Oklahoma City campus.

The program is available to eligible students at no cost. Meals, admission costs and transportation needs are all provided by the program during Upward Bound activities. The cost to the student is participation and performance in the program's activities.

Apply to Upward Bound Program

Services Provided During The School Year

To ensure academic progress, Upward Bound remains in contact with the students through:

Monthly campus meetings
College campus tours
Academic testing and evaluation
Tutoring
Career exploration
Academic, financial aid, and personal counseling
Preparation for college entrance exams
Post-secondary information and advisement
Mailings pertinent to their education

Throughout the year, students in good standing receive a small stipend (allowance).

Services Provided During The Summer

Students attend a six-week summer session on the OSU-Oklahoma City campus. The program provides transportation to and from campus and for all field trips. Students come five days a week and participate in a variety of structured activities including:

Academic enrichment classes in math, science, English, foreign language, and computers
Life skill exercises and wellness opportunities
Student government activities
Recreational and cultural field trips
Social gatherings, such as dances, academic and sports competitions and an awards banquet
Internships for select students
Career assessment and exploration
Preparation for college entrance exams
College campus tour

Services Provided After Graduation

To aid in the transition to college, graduating seniors can earn a Bridge Scholarship to use at OSU-Oklahoma City during the summer semester following their high school graduation. Upward Bound helps Bridge Scholars with enrollment, financial aid, study skills, tutoring, academic advisement, and time management. Scholarship benefits can include:

Up to six credit hours of tuition and fees
Books and instructional supplies
Weekly stipends
Meals while on campus
Multi-night cultural trip

A Year in Review

Upward Bound 2023 Yearbook

Download the Upward Bound yearbook in PDF format.

Download Yearbook