TRIO Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education federally funded college prep program sponsored by Utah Valley University. We support both first-generation and low income high school students throughout the school year with scholarships, academic and professional counseling, and skill-building activities. Our goal is to help students with the transition into college and provide opportunities for higher education for all.
TRIO Upward Bound is an application-based program that assists high school students who are low income and/or who will be the first generation in their family to graduate with a post-secondary degree.
If you have any questions, please see your high school Upward Bound advisor or contact Rebecca Ayala at [email protected].
Upward Bound helps high school students throughout the school year to promote academic skills and increase success later in higher education. These are just a few of the services we provide our students:
Uintah High School ’22
Jacob Knox joined Upward Bound to find educational opportunities as a first-generation, low-income student. He is a regional Upward Bound president, the vice president of the UHS Math Club, and the 2023-2024 UHS Sterling Scholar and Business and Marketing. Thanks to his experiences with Upward Bound and his academic success, Jacob received a full academic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame through QuestBridge.
"Upward Bound has shown me the extent to which I can shape my future through the experiences associated with the program... the experiences at Upward Bound not only create lifelong memories but also provide a foundation for adult life."
Union High School ‘22
TRIO Upward Bound has helped Emma Womack get halfway to her associate degree before graduating high school. Emma was able to prepare for life after high school, find helpful resources, and gain college credit during her time with UB.
"Upward Bound gives you so much insight into education and life-related things that a lot of people need to know about, especially first-generation students."
Wasatch High School
Danely Chacon is a senior at Wasatch High School. She is looking forward to graduating in May and continuing her education at the University of Utah in the fall.
“Upward Bound has offered me an infinite number of opportunities. I’m graduating with 30+ college credits and with a chance to experience college firsthand. Upward Bound has kept me motivated in the hardest moments of my life, even when I wanted to give up. They remind me how important my education is, and they support me as a first-generation student. The weekly meetings we have not only helped me with my education, but also emotionally, physically, and financially. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without Upward Bound!”
Upward Bound - TRIO
