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The Saint Louis University Upward Bound program (SLU-UB) is a college preparatory academy that provides high school students the opportunity to acquire the academic skills and personal motivation necessary to finish high school, and to enter and earn a degree from a college or university.

The program is free and open to 9th-12th grade students from the following high schools in the Ferguson-Florissant and Riverview Gardens school districts in north St. Louis County. The University will annually serve 60 students at each participating school. 

• McCluer High School
• McCluer North High School
• Riverview Gardens High School

Upward Bound Application for 91ÖÆƬ³§ (PDF)

About Upward Bound

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound is a college-access program that stimulates students’ interest in postsecondary education and various career fields, including science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. UB is designed to assist limited-income high school students who have the potential to be the first in their families to attain a college degree.

Upward Bound helps students sharpen leadership skills, engage in career and college exploration, learn from guest speakers, and participate in service-learning opportunities and social and cultural outings.

Academic Year Academy

SLU's Upward Bound program includes an academic-year component that begins in September and ends in May. Saturday Academy classes provide additional academic support and development on two Saturdays each month. Students receive tutoring, ACT/SAT preparation, personal and career guidance, assistance with financial aid and the college admissions process, both in school and on SLU’s campus.

Summer Academy

SLU-UB requires enrolled students to participate in a six-week residential Summer Academy that begins in mid-June. Classes are held Monday-Friday, and students also participate in fine arts, recreational and cultural activities. The Summer Academy concludes with a college tour. Students travel to selected cities to tour campuses to gain a better understanding of college.

Services Provided to Students and Families

We provide the following services to high school students participating in the programs:

• Educational support, including tutoring, homework assistance, supplemental instruction, and group/individual academic enrichment
• Personal and leadership-skill development
• Experience with collaborative work groups and research projects
• A rich, integrated, precollege curriculum
• Career and college exploration, campus visits, ACT preparation and financial aid application assistance
• Service-learning and community service opportunities
• Social and cultural programs
• Experience living in a college residence hall
• Parent and family support, including workshops, support groups and connections to additional community resources

Eligibility Guidelines

The federal government sets the eligibility guidelines. To be eligible for Upward Bound, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be first-generation college-bound (neither parent living in the home has a four-year degree) and/or limited-income household based on the Department of Education Federal TRIO Programs income levels.
• Taking a college prep curriculum
• Have and maintain a 2.5 GPA in high school
• Display potential to succeed at the postsecondary level
• Attend a target school district high school or reside in north St. Louis County

Meet the Upward Bound Team 

We have a team dedicated to serving students participating in SLU Upward Bound programs and their families. In addition to the academic guidance and assistance provided by our central staff and faculty, participants receive support from various SLU campus and local community resources.

FAQ