The Upward Bound Program holds a six-week immersive summer program where UB students live on the UMF Campus, take classes to help prepare them for the following school year and for college, practice and explore career opportunities, and learn about the college application process. Students also have the opportunity to participate in social and cultural programming, learn new skills, and gain many new friends!

Academic Component

The academic component of the summer program meets the following goals:

  • Motivate participants and provide them with the opportunity to develop higher-level academic skills,
  • Identify and pursue possible fields of interest,
  • Generate the motivation to succeed in college.

These goals are accomplished through required classes, enrichment seminars, study sessions, and advanced classes, all designed to simulate a college experience. All classroom instruction is characterized by a student-centered, supportive approach to learning.

Required Classes:

Students take classes in science, mathematics, English, world language, and career and college development. Students attend classes each morning during the summer session.

Study Sessions:

The purpose of study sessions is to teach study skills, to allow students to receive tutoring, and to give students a space to complete assigned homework. Study sessions are run by academic staff who are available to provide assistance. Study sessions are held each evening. Students also have access to UMF’s 24-hour computer lab during supervised study sessions and during free time.

Enrichment Seminars:

During the summer, enrichment seminars and workshops provide students with lectures, symposia, debates, and discussions on various topics of interest and importance to high school students.  Past topics have included global warming, health and wellness, advocacy, and community service.

The Bridge Program:

The Bridge summer component provides recent high school graduates with services and activities that aid in the transition from high school to postsecondary education. Bridge students attend a college-level Japanese History and Culture course, for which they receive three college credits. Students are supported by a teaching assistant who provides feedback and assistance in the class.

Career Experience Component

The career component of the summer program meets the following goals:

  • Motivates students to plan and pursue career and college paths,
  • Allows students to gain career experience and develop good work habits.

The career component is divided into two parts: Success Seminar and Career Experience.

Success Seminar:

Success Seminar meets each morning in rotation with academic classes. The purpose of the Success Seminar is to encourage and support career, college, and personal development. Seminar activities address student concerns ranging from personal to vocational. Classroom instruction includes discussions, speakers, self-assessment, cooperative learning, and role-playing.  Seniors in Success Seminar learn about financial aid, complete an extensive college search, prepare their college essay, and complete a draft of the Common Application.

Career Experience:

The purpose of the Career Experience Program is to serve as a motivator for good working habits and resume-building while learning about professions that require a college degree.

Before the summer program begins, students are made aware of the kinds of jobs that are available and given a chance to indicate a preference through a questionnaire. Students work up to four hours an afternoon, four afternoons a week at businesses and organizations throughout the Farmington community.

Campus Life

Students live on campus in one of UMF’s residence halls from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. They have the opportunity to live with a roommate, spend free time in the residence hall, and eat in the University’s dining hall.*

Students also participate in many activities and cultural events throughout the week including outdoor leadership activities, art workshops, trips to the theater, roller skating, and other recreational activities.

Upward Bound offers optional weekend trips that include camping, college visits, and attending regional Upward Bound events.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interested in applying? Complete an eligibility form here.

*UMF Upward Bound participates in the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Meals are the same for all students and are provided to all students free of charge, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to or immediately call: USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410(800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.