Upward Bound is a pre-collegiate program designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school. The Upward Bound Program provides academic and cultural opportunities for a limited number of high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors from Amsterdam High School. Eligible students must demonstrate an interest and potential in pursuing post secondary education.
Academic Year
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The Upward Bound year runs from the first day of school to the last day of regents. The Academic Component consists of its participants attending tutoring sessions during their study halls as well as after school on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students also have the ability to participate in various college visits throughout the academic year and volunteer/ fundraising activities as announced.
Summer Program
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The six-week Summer Academic Enrichment Component consists of participants being transported to Fulton Montgomery Community College to receive instruction in college preparatory English, literature/composition, math through pre-calculus, laboratory science, History and Spanish. Tutorial sessions, academic counseling, recreational activities and social events complement the summer component. The overall goal of the program is to generate the skills and experiences needed for success during high school and college.
A Brief History
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 through the Office of Economic Opportunity funded 18 Upward Bound pilot projects. These projects provided eligible rural high school students with instruction and services to increase their likelihood of completing a post-secondary educational program. Now, over 700 Upward Bound projects exist nation-wide.
Fulton Montgomery Community College's Upward Bound Program is funded through the United States Department of Education. During the academic component and summer session, Upward Bound provides intensive college preparation and academic support through instruction, counseling, academic advising and other social, cultural and educational activities.
The Goals
- To provide academic, personal and career exploration services.
- To expose the students to events and activities that are culturally enriching.
- To offer academic support through course advisement and tutorial services that will strengthen and enhance the student's abilities and skills.
- To make the students aware of the options available in post-secondary education and encourage them to make use of any resources that may be available to them
Who Can Participate?
Participation in Fulton Montgomery Community College's Upward Bound program is open to any college-bound high school student who is currently attending Amsterdam High School. The successful applicant should also meet the following requirements:
- Neither parent has completed a four year college degree.
- Family income qualifies the student for free or reduced lunch.
- The applicant is college bound and has a demonstrated academic potential and need.
Parents whose children participate in Upward Bound are required to support the program by encouraging their child to do their best in actively pursuing a college degree. Parents should: attend student/parent orientations, attend special events such as family picnics, parent nights and the closing program. Parents and staff work together for the good of the student.
Expectations of Participants
Each student is required to do each of the following:
- Participate actively in ALL scheduled classes, tutoring sessions and summer program.
- Complete ALL assigned work.
- Attend mandatory enrichment activities. Including volunteer work and college visits.
- Maintain at least a "C" in each course.
Upward Bound participants are expected to be excellent representatives of their schools by acting responsibly on and off-campus.
