Upward Bound

University of Oklahoma
Upward Bound

OUUB Application

If you have not recently submitted an application to OU Upward Bound, please know that space is limited. We will contact students in order of submission.

Important Dates

First day of school for Santa Fe South High School - August 4th, 2022
First day of school for OKCPS – August 11th, 2022
First day of school for Millwood High School – August 16th, 2022
OU Upward Bound Back to School Bash – TBD

Through a generous grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education and the kind sponsorship of the University of Oklahoma, 63 students are chosen from the Oklahoma City metro target schools of U.S. Grant High School, Northwest Classen High School, Millwood High School, and Santa Fe South High School to become a part of a unique program called Upward Bound.

For over 50 years Upward Bound programs have been providing students from first-generation, low-income, and underprivileged backgrounds with education and opportunities to help them both excel and graduate high school, and ultimately attend the post-secondary college or university of their choice.

We provide these services to students through the academic year and summer portions of our program free of charge; in addition, these students have the opportunity to earn stipends through their participation and attendance.

About Upward Bound

Goals

Department of Education-funded TRIO programs, like Upward Bound, have the goal that each of our students completes high school and attends a post-secondary college or university, not specifically our host institution.

Our dedication to helping students extends into their post-secondary careers as well. Here at OU, TRIO students have access to Student Support Services programs which help them find community and support while in college.

In their second year of college, students can apply for the Ronald E. McNair Scholars program. This program helps students on their journey to a master's degree, and if they wish, onward to attain a Ph.D.

Our Supporters

Our program is generously supported by the OU Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and OU Housing and Food through staffing, office spaces, and financial donations.

Our summer program is kindly assisted by the efforts of the aforementioned departments as well as the OU Writing Center, OU Student Affairs, OU Student Life, and our academic partners via the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education.

If your organization or campus office would like to collaborate with Upward Bound feel free to contact us anytime!

Programs and Services

Academic Program Year

The Academic Year Program provides in-school advising, academic support, and community service opportunities during the school year.

During the academic year OU Upward Bound provides:

Saturday Session workshops focusing on financial awareness, career exploration, and college exam preparation
Monthly academic advising visits from OU Upward Bound academic professionals
College tours visiting Oklahoma colleges
Community service events
Cultural and social events
ACT test preparation support
College application, financial aid, and admissions support during the student's senior year

Summer Academic Institution

The Summer Academic Institute is held on the OU Norman campus in June and July for a total of six weeks. Students stay on campus during the week giving them the opportunity to experience living and learning like a college student while still in high school

Each week, the Summer Academic Institute provides:

Five hours of academic courses (English, math, science, college/ACT preparation, and a foreign language) held in various academic departments across campus
Two hours of sports and recreation (swimming, soccer, basketball, and others) facilitated by Fitness and Recreation staff
Two to three hours of inspirational speakers or enriching workshops
Three meals a day either in the Couch Center cafeteria or catered by Housing and Food Services
Team-building activities and events such as river rafting, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and much more

Students who participate in the entire summer program and maintain exemplary behavior are eligible for an out-of-state summer college tour lasting a maximum of six days after the camp ends. OUUB Staff can determine who and who may not participate in the trip.

Additional Information

Is your school not covered by OU Upward Bound? We want you to find a TRIO program for you!

All programs support and promote college success and we do not specifically direct students to our host instiutions, nor do our programs give students preferential treatment.

Here are links to all the programs in the Oklahoma City, Putnam City, Yukon, Mid-Del, and Moore metros.

Upward Bound Programs:

Talent Search:

(Talent Search has many things in common with Upward Bound - except it starts with students as young as 6th grade and offers a different kind of summer programming.)

TRIO Professional Organizations: