Upward Bound
TRIO Programs

Associate Director - Herman E. Shelton III

The Upward Bound Program, one of the Federal TRiO programs sponsored by the United States Department of Education, has been in existence since 1966.  It is a pre-collegiate experience designed to assist high school students, who meet the economic and first-generation criteria established by the federal government, to develop the skills and motivation necessary to successfully enroll in, and graduate from post-secondary educational institutions.

Target School – Social Justice High School

Roosevelt University Upward Bound (RUUB) recently partnered with the Social Justice High School located in the Little Village/North Lawndale community, to provide college preparatory services to approximately 50 high school freshmen and sophomores.  The relationship is another progressive aspect of Roosevelt’s effort to encourage and assist Social Justice High School students to embrace higher education.

The collaboration between Roosevelt and Social Justice High School is exceptionally ideal.  They share a similar vision, and both institutions have, at their core, principles that promote social justice, equality, and a progressive commitment to society.  RUUB looks at the careers that students are interested in and encourages them to think about the connection between career and lifestyles. It helps students understand that they’re able to achieve their life goals by going to college and getting a degree.

Student Selection

Teachers, counselors, community agencies, previous or current students and others who have some knowledge of the program may recommend students.  Following a recommendation, an admissions conference is held with the parent, student, and appropriate staff person.  During the interview process an in-depth evaluation is made to establish pre-entry criteria, with emphasis placed on the student’s desire to participate in the program.

Academic Program

The Upward Bound Program consists of two main components – a Summer Commuter Program and an Academic Year Component designed to respond to individual student’s needs concerning academic enrichment, but also exposing them to various college, career, and life opportunities giving them exposure to a broad range of options after graduation. 

In addition to receiving consultation in completing resumes, as well as college and financial aid applications, RUUB students engage in a host of curricula specifically designed to address issues of social justice ranging from race, to class, to various additional dilemmas affecting domestic and global communities.

Academic Year Program

During the academic year Upward Bound Scholars are supported in several ways.  Weekly Academic Assistance workshops are held at the target school, after school dismissal.  These workshops are designed to assist students in developing effective study habits and to understand their personal working styles.

Additionally, Saturday courses are held at Roosevelt University's downtown Chicago campus.  Teachers, advisors, and tutors are easily accessible to all students by way of the classroom, meetings, home visits, advising sessions and field trips.  Saturday workshops at Roosevelt assist students in increasing their academic skills and provide them with actual exposure to academia.

Summer Commuter Program

For 6 weeks in the summer, qualifying program participants will experience a “commuter” program designed to simulate the experience of being enrolled in university studies.  Curricula emphasize the development of basic communication, computational, and analytical skills.  Additional courses are provided in the creative arts, physical and environmental sciences, and foreign languages.  A broad array of both academic and cultural enrichment field trips are scheduled on an ongoing basis. 

For more information about Roosevelt University's Upward Bound program, call 312-341-2253.