Upward Bound EC/MLC
Upward Bound EC/MLC is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12.
The program is committed to developing a year-round education program which will excite, motivate and prepare a selected 150 high school students in the program’s target areas. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs.
Upward Bound EC/MLC participants receive free tutorial services in college prep courses and are eligible to receive waivers for the ACT/SAT test.
Upward Bound EC/BEM participants benefit from:
- Tutorial assistance in science, math, language arts and a foreign language
- Opportunities to participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects
- Lessons on how to code and increase computer skills
- SAT support
- Visits to colleges and universities
- Cultural workshops and field trips
- Coaching from a caring adult
- Help completing college applications, including financial aid and scholarship applications
- Opportunities to explore careers, visit employer locations and meet top professionals in the community
- Six week non-residential summer program, workshops and team building
- Free transportation to and from all program activities
- Stipends and awards
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who:
- Attend, or plan to attend, Illinois School Districts 189 (East St. Louis), 188 (Brooklyn), 187 (Cahokia), and 3 (Venice)
- At the time of initial selection, are in grades 9-12 and between the ages of 13-19
- Are from a low-income family and will be the first in their family to pursue a college education
- Require academic support for pursuing education beyond high school
- 3.0 or higher GPA
