The Upward Bound Summer Program – A Real University Experience
Students selected to participate in the Upward Bound program are provided with an opportunity to experience what college life is like while still in high school.
The summer program provides a unique, on-campus residential experience for all Upward Bound participants. Students live in campus housing while completing rigorous academic coursework to help them prepare for the upcoming high school year. All students take courses in math, lab science, literature and composition, foreign language and career and college planning. Rising tenth and eleventh grade students also take one elective class of their choice. Senior students participate an intense SAT preparation class, along with our summer work-study program, which pays them to earn professional and career experience. All students are supervised by qualified and trained staff, at a ratio of approximately one counselor for ten students.
Rising college freshmen, who have been accepted to a four-year college, have the opportunity to participate in our summer bridge program. Students take up to six Virginia Tech credits for free, while participating in summer work-study and earning funds they can use for college in the fall.
In addition to the academic components of the summer program, students sit in on seminars, attend social and cultural activities and events, take field trips to colleges/universities, participate in sports activities, and attend an end of summer trip consisting of cultural activities and additional college visits. In the recent past, Upward Bound students have traveled to Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta during the end of summer trip.
Summer 2011 Yearbook (Pages 1-9)
Summer 2011 Yearbook (Pages 10-16)
Summer 2011 Yearbook (Pages 17-23)
The Summer Handbook (including rules and regulations, what to bring, etc.) can be found here
Summer employment opportunities
If you are interested in a residential counselor position with the Upward Bound Summer program, please see the Summer Tutor/Counselor Application and job description here!
If you are interested in serving as Dorm Coordinator for the Upward Bound Summer program, please see the Dorm Coordinator application here!
If you served as a residential counselor in a previous year and are interested in applying again, please see the Returning Counselor application here!
If you are interested in a teaching position with the Summer program, please forward resume and names of references to Tom Wilson, Upward Bound, Virginia Tech, Hillcrest Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061. If you have questions, please contact the office at 540-231-6911.