Upward Bound Programs were launched in 1964 through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. These programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. Today’s Upward Bound still addresses those barriers facing students in the 21st Century.
What is Mohawk Valley Upward Bound?
Upward Bound provides opportunities and fundamental support to its participants to succeed in their precollege academics and preparation for college entrance. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and/or students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in, and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Upward Bound offers extensive tutoring and mentoring, participates in various local community service events, college campus visits, and provides participants with a performance-based quarterly stipend and a work-study stipend during the required six week Summer College Program.
- Upward Bound participants served during a project year will have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 point scale at the end of the school year;
- Participants served during a project year will achieve proficient passing levels on state assessments in reading/language arts and mathematics;
- Participants served will continue to advance to the next academic level annually and/or graduate with a secondary school diploma;
- Participants enroll in post-secondary school following June graduation, and attain a bachelor’s degree within six years of enrollment
- Mentoring
- Cultural Enrichment
- College and Career Planning
- College and Educational Field Trips
- Community Service Opportunities
- Financial Aid Assistance
- Academic Advising
- Summer College (required)
Who is eligible to be in the Mohawk Valley Upward Bound Program?
Thomas R. Proctor High School students (9th, 10th, or 11th grade) or 8th grade graduates attending Proctor in upcoming September and (one of the following:
- Low-income family,
- First-generation (neither parent holds a Bachelor’s Degree), or
- An individual who has a high risk for academic failure.
How long is the Oneida County Upward Bound Program?
Upward Bound is a five-year grant funded program. We are currently working under the 2017-22 grant. MVCC submits for refunding every five years.
What do participants do to receive performance-based stipend?
EACH Upward Bound participant is eligible to receive a quarterly dispersed performance based stipend by their Grade Point Average (GPA) and attendance to program services offered.
- *Maximum Academic School quarterly stipend $100 (September-June)
- *Summer College stipend ranges from $120 - $300 (July-August)
* Contingent on the amount of grant funding we receive year to year.
How do I apply?
Interested students can simply click on the following link and they will be contacted by an Upward Bound staff member upon acceptance.
Meet the Upward Bound Team
Matthew Warchal
Upward Bound, Tutor and Mentor
mwarchal@mvcc.edu | 315-731-5382