Upward Bound FAQs

Any student who meets the following criteria is eligible to participate in Upward Bound, provided there is space in the program:

• In grade 9-12
• Attend Ogden, Ben Lomond, or Clearfield High School (or a junior high that feeds into one of these schools)
• Neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree and/or family is low-income according to federal guidelines.

Please know that most participants enter the program in their 9th grade year, which means that the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade cohorts are usually full.

Nothing. Upward Bound is a federally-funded program, and is free to qualifying participants.

Eligible students in the 9-12 grades are recommended by school counselors, teachers, friends, family, and other community members. Each recommended student meets with the Upward Bound Director. Students may then be invited to participate in Upward Bound, and will need to complete the required paperwork.

Call our office at 801-626-6798 or email Samantha Hill.

Once a student is selected, he or she will be visited at school by one of the Upward Bound staff. The staff will provide an official welcome letter and the necessary new student paperwork to the student.

No. As per our federal guidelines, we cannot serve students that do not attend one of these target schools.

Currently, we work with North Davis, Sunset, Mount Ogden, Mound Fort, and Highland Junior High Schools.

Yes. Students must attend all Saturday College Prep sessions during the school year, as well as participate in community service and academic/cultural activities. Students must participate in the six-week summer program as well, which includes the academic field trip and residential experience.

No. You can apply to any university you wish. Our students have attended Weber State University, Utah State University, University of Utah, Stanford University, Georgetown University, Colgate University, and many other institutions.

No. Upward Bound does not provide funds to pay for students’ tuition, fees, books, etc. However, we do award small tuition waivers to select students and provide students the support and experience needed to qualify and apply for scholarships and financial aid.

While Upward Bound generally stops at the university gate, program staff make the transition to college as seamless as possible. Before or during our summer Bridge program, we assist our students in registering for classes, finalizing their financial aid, and other general college prep. In addition, our students are introduced to Weber State faculty and staff during their courses, and they are strongly encouraged to apply for our sister program, Student Support Services.

Upward Bound serves 82 students each year.

Upward Bound will provide transportation for activities from Weber State University’s main campus. Transportation to and from campus is the responsibility of the participant and their family.