As soon as you can. We are here to prepare Veterans to enter or re-enter a higher education institution. There is a wide variance for what each individual may need to be successful, but as a general rule, we recommend starting with Veterans Upward Bound at least one semester before you intend to start or restart your postsecondary education.

Yes. We will help all qualified Veterans, regardless of where they plan to enter or re-enter postsecondary school. We will also help program participants choose a program and school that is a good fit for them.

This can vary wildly depending on the needs of the veteran. Some students may only need a minimal amount of work, others will need longer. After we have done an assessment, we will have a better idea of what is needed and will be able to estimate a timeline.

Not directly, although all the services participants take advantage of through the program (such as refresher courses) are free of charge. We can also provide help with financial aid processes, as well as get you connected with appropriate officials at your prospective school.

To a degree yes, and we also provide career counseling.

Yes, one of our advisors can help you decide which school may best prepare you for the career you are pursuing.

Veterans Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Veterans Upward Bound is part of a group of eight programs called TRiO programs that serve low-income and first-generation college students.

Please feel free to email us at veteransUB@siue.edu with any additional questions or if you would like to request an appointment with a member of our team. If contacting us by mail, please address to:

SIUE East St. Louis Center
Veterans Upward Bound
Campus Box 1200
601 James Thompson Blvd-Bldg. B
East St. Louis, IL 62201

Or call 618-874-6297 or 618-874-6296