Apply to Upward Bound

The Upward Bound program is a free, year round program which helps qualifying high school students pursue their educational and career goals. To qualify for the program, students need to be the first in their family to attend college, or meet income eligibility requirements as determined by the student’s family’s federal taxable income level at the time of application.

Send completed applications to:
uaf-ubcontact@alaska.edu

A group of students and staff posing in front of a banner, "You belong here"

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements Include:

  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Possess academic potential and be motivated to attend college
  • Be a first-generation college student (i.e., neither parent has a Bachelor’s Degree)*
  • Meet income requirements
  • Attend a participating school

*Students are considered first generation even if one or both of their parents have attended or are currently attending college, so long as they have not completed a four-year undergraduate degree.

Check participating schools

Participating students are expected to:

  • Improve to and maintain their grade point average (GPA)
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better at the end of their school year
  • Stay in enrolled in school and graduate on time
  • Continue to attend school in the next grade level, or graduate from high school with a high school diploma
  • Be committed to attending college

Pursue rigorous high school classes
Upward Bound participants must complete a rigorous high school program of study with the expectation to graduate in that school year with a regular secondary school diploma to receive the .

Enroll & attend college the fall after graduation
Upward Bound students are expected to enroll in and attend college the fall immediately following their high school graduation. We know that by staying in the education system either as a full time or part time student will greatly increase the likelihood of completing their college education.

A student getting an award by a staff member

Participating Schools

Schools with Upward Bound programs are listed below. If you attend one of the schools below and meet the other qualifications we encourage you to apply!

  • Bethel Regional High School
  • Brevig Mission High School
  • Chevak School
  • Chief Paul Memorial School – Kipnuk
  • Haines High School
  • Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat – Quinhagak
  • Mount Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) – Sitka
  • North Pole High School (Upward Bound Math Science)
  • Seward High School
  • Shishmaref School
  • Wrangell High School