How does a student apply for admission? Is there an application fee? Once a student begins the Program, does the student need to reapply each year?
Each fall, Upward Bound publishes the schedule for informational sessions that will be held in each of the target high schools in January/February. Interested students and families may call or write the Upward Bound office to receive an application package. In addition, the guidance offices in each of the high schools will have a supply.
Since the Program usually recruits new students only once each year, it is important for students to submit all application materials according to the instructions provided. There is no application fee, and all students who apply will receive a written response as to the status of their application.
The Program’s staff evaluates every student several times each year. The results of those assessments are communicated to the student and parents. All students who are meeting their individual goals are continued into the next phase of the Program and do not need to reapply.
Our Program is funded to serve 70 students over the Program Year. We normally maintain about 55 current participants, and select 10-15 new students to begin during the Summer Program.
Do students receive high school or college credit for successfully completing Upward Bound? Does Upward Bound provide a transcript that lists academic information?
All target high schools provide some level of recognition on the high school transcripts for those students who successfully complete the summer experience. Usually, a notation is made on the transcript and currently three of are high schools issue elective credits, but college credit is not issued.
Will Upward Bound pay for the student’s college education?
No, but the Program will provide advice and guidance for the student – and the family – to apply for federal, state, and college aid. A financial aid advising program is scheduled each year, information about scholarship opportunities – including the WNCC Upward Bound Scholarship – is provided regularly, and waivers are provided as appropriate for related fees. In addition, the counselors work closely with the students and families throughout the college application and decision-making process as a means of facilitating the process and responding to questions about aid.
Why are Upward Bounds target schools limited to four? Can I be considered even if my high school is not listed?
The current contract with the United States Department of Education allows funding for the Program to serve four comprehensive public high schools in Western Nebraska. The grant that was submitted for funding documented the high level of need for project services in these schools and communities.
The four communities and target high schools are:
Gering High School
Minatare High School
Mitchell High School
Scottsbluff High School
Unfortunately, no other schools may be added and students who do not attend those schools may not be considered. However, check with your high school counselor(s) about other supplemental programs which you might qualify for (i.e. Talent Search)
What kind of commitments must students – and families - make if they wish to apply to the Program?
The Program would like to develop a strong working partnership with each student and their family. Therefore, it is important that the family unit consider the following: purpose of the Program, services provided, time commitments for the school year and summer programs, and the importance of open communication. If the student – and family – wish to take advantage of all of the services and opportunities made available, they should apply.
I understand that there are two components - school year and summer. Must a student participate in both parts?
Yes, the student should be available to attend the regular scheduled classes, tutoring, and counseling sessions during the academic year. In addition, all students who have not yet graduated from high school should make a commitment to attend and complete the summer residential requirements. The dates for each component are communicated to selected students (and applicants) well in advance.
When is the summer program and why must students live on campus? Are students allowed to leave campus to work or visit their families during the week?
The Western Nebraska Community College Upward Bound Program believes in the philosophy of the residential experience for its students. Upward Bound challenges its students to develop their potential academically and socially.
The rules and regulations of Upward Bound provide a safe learning community. As a result, students – and families – become accustomed to the "college experience" in a way that is well monitored, structured, and high in expectations. The program’s budget supports the cost of each student’s room, meals, classes, and sponsored activities.
Students are not allowed to leave campus during the week for any reason other than an emergency or prescheduled arrangements first discussed with the appropriate staff. Students are allowed to sign out on Wednesday evenings to meet with parents, ans some allowances can be made for work and other activities. Students are scheduled, however, to leave campus to go home Friday afternoons and to return Sunday afternoon at a specific time.
Any activities scheduled on or off campus are well supervised.
The only time the Program provides transportation is when groups of students are scheduled for an activity that will take place during the summer or school year. Such examples are trips to a museum or college for an information tour. All other transportation to and from the campus are the responsibility of the student and/or family.
No other program in the area provides such comprehensive services to enrolled high school students. Upward Bound recognizes that every student is unique and uses an individualized approach in working with them.
The commitment from the Program is a lengthy one – starting at the time the student enters the Program throughout high school, college, and beyond. The Program’s counselors and faculty work with students in small groups and privately to address their individual needs. In addition, they help students to develop their academic potential, learn from others and their cultures, and identify and meet realistic goals. Tutoring is provided on a needed basis. Cultural and social events are held to expose the students to new and different positive experiences.
The Program also has a strong working relationship with many of the colleges and universities, a network that supports the success of our graduates.
