Potential Student Applicants
About the Program
Upward Bound is a federally-funded program designed to help qualified high school students prepare for and graduate from a postsecondary institution. The program at Madisonville Community College has been in place since 1990; it now serves 110 students from five high schools in three counties. Participants meet during the school year for academic enrichment activities, tutoring, ACT preparation, advising, college tours, and assistance with college applications. During the summer they attend a six-week long program that concludes with a cultural and educational trip. Participants are provided transportation to and from the college during the summer program. Meals and trips are at the program's expense -- with no cost to the student.
The Upward Bound staff makes regular visits to schools to monitor student progress, to advise students, to provide information on various educational opportunities, and to help in the completion of college entrance applications and financial aid forms for post-secondary education.
Students tour at least one college campus per semester.
Application Process
The goal of Upward Bound is to provide academic instruction, motivational skills, and other support services necessary to enable participants to complete high school and graduate from a program of post-secondary education.
Program Eligibility
To be considered for Upward Bound, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in the ninth or tenth grade at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School, Hopkins County Central High School, Muhlenberg North High School, Muhlenberg South High School, or Webster County High School
- Be a U.S. Citizen
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Live in a family where neither of the student's parents have completed a four-year college degree
and/or - Meet income guidelines
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
You may obtain an Upward Bound application from your high school guidance office, Youth Service Center, Upward Bound office, or download it here.
Complete the entire application and return it to your guidance office or mail it to the UB office (Upward Bound, Madisonville Community College, 2000 College Dr., Madisonville, KY, 42431). In addition to your application, you must submit a copy of your parents' or guardians' Federal Income Tax form, a copy of your most recent report card / mid-term report, and an official high school transcript (if you are in the 10th grade).
The Upward Bound office will contact your parent / guardian to arrange for an Intake Interview. All potential participants must take part in this interview. UB Staff will detail their expectations of you as a participant and give your family an opportunity to discuss any questions regarding the program.
Potential participants will be chosen based upon their sincere interest in showing academic progress during high school and a desire to enroll and complete a program of study after high school graduation.
Pre-Accept participants will have 60 days during the Academic Year and 10 days during the Summer Program to experience Upward Bound. During this time you will take part in Upward Bound activities including instruction, tutoring, and enrichment activities. You will also complete assessments designed to identify academic and study skills needs.
During your pre-Accept period your need for academic need will be evaluated by the UB staff. If a need exists, and the program can assist you, you will be invited to continue in the program as a full-time participant.