Upward Bound

Lyndon Institute has launched a new program to help students achieve the dream of achieving a four-year college degree. With the help of a generous Federal grant, LI now has its own in-house Upward Bound program, one of the few such programs in the country and the first and only one of its kind in Vermont.

The path to earning a college degree isn’t an easy one. It can be expensive and require taking on debt; acceptance to America’s more competitive colleges and universities is becoming increasingly difficult for even accomplished students. But for many young people—particularly those in rural areas like the Northeast Kingdom—the challenges often start while students are still in high school as they wonder how they’ll manage the college application process or if they’re even good enough to attend.

They are the “First Gens,” students who are the first generation in their family to attend college and earn a bachelor's degree. They may come from families who don’t encourage them to dream big, to push for higher goals. Or they may come from families with parents who want them to continue their education but who may themselves be unsure how to navigate the process of preparing for and applying to college.

For many of these “First Gens,” the Federally-funded program Upward Bound is the answer. Created in 1965 under Title IV legislation and part of the cluster of “TRIO Programs” that also includes Talent Search and Upward Bound Math-Science, Upward Bound was part of the Johnson administration’s War on Poverty initiative. In the almost fifty years since, it has helped send more than two million young Americans on a path to higher education and the higher wages and greater career opportunities that come with a degree, including many students in our own Northeast Kingdom. 

Students are eligible for Upward Bound if neither parent holds a four-year college degree and/or meet federal income guidelines as set by the U.S. Department of Education. Students in the Upward Bound program must also be in good academic standing, with a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) and have demonstrated an inherent desire to learn.

During the academic year, Upward Bound offers academic support for college prep classes. UB provides opportunities throughout the year for students to envision themselves as college students, such as visiting different college campuses, visiting museums, art exhibitions, and deepening their understanding of the world around them while they figure out their place in the world.

Upward Bound at Lyndon Institute will also offer a 6-week residential program. For these weeks, students will live on campus, take courses in core subjects to supplement their learning during the regular academic school year. This summer program will assist students to develop organizational and study skills, along with preparing them for the SAT and other standardized tests. 

Also, during the summer program, students will have the opportunity to participate in team-building activities and other forms of enrichment, including field trips to colleges, Nature’s Classroom, electives, and much more. 

Lyndon Institute will serve 60 students in the Upward Bound program. This will include students from outside of Vermont, including international students, as long as the student is enrolled in Lyndon Institute.

Ready to Apply?

Download the Application

Questions? Contact Us!

Lindsay Carpenter, Upward Bound Director
802-535-3634 
[email protected]