Upward Bound

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SUPPORT

Upward Bound is a federal TRIO Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help high school students prepare for college. Students selected to participate in Upward Bound meet weekly with an academic advisor at their respective high schools and participate in an immersive 6-week residential Summer Academy on the Tusculum University campus.
 
Tusculum University’s Upward Bound program has been in existence since 1973 and currently serves students at the following high schools:
 
Cocke County
Cocke County High School
Cosby High School
 
Greene County
Chuckey-Doak High School
North Greene High School
South Greene High School
West Greene High School
 
Hamblen County
Morristown East High School
Morristown West High School
 
Hawkins County
Cherokee High School
Volunteer High School
 
Unicoi County
Unicoi County High School
 
Washington County
David Crockett High School
 

WHAT WE OFFER

Academic Year Program

During the academic year (August-May), students typically meet with their Upward Bound academic advisor on a weekly basis. Students also participate in tutoring, academic coaching, supplemental instruction, and workshops or cultural enrichment activities including the following: 
  • College and career fairs
  • Campus visits
  • College entrance exam test preparation
  • Community service events
  • Cultural enrichment activities including performing arts events and museum visits
  • Academic symposiums
  • Leadership development programming
Upward Bound students also have access to fee deferments, including waivers for SAT and ACT fees.

Summer Academy

The Upward Bound Summer Academy is an intensive six-week academic program where participants reside on campus at Tusculum University to experience college life while preparing for the upcoming school year. Summer Academy participants complete a series of academic courses designed to supplement the State of Tennessee’s rigorous curriculum. 
 
In the evenings, students participate in a series of recreational or educational activities tailored to their interests.  

Summer Bridge Program

Newly graduated senior Upward Bound participants who have been admitted to a university or college may attend the Summer Bridge Program, which assists with the transition from high school to college. Participants enroll in college courses, attend study seminars, and meet with an Upward Bound advisor. Tuition for this course is paid by the Upward Bound program. 

APPLY

UPWARD BOUND APPLICATION

INCOME VERIFICATION FORM

COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION


POLICIES

Code of Conduct
Computer Usage
Nondiscrimination Statement

RESOURCES

For current UB students and instructors

Academic

Aid & Scholarships

  • College Board – Big Future: provides information on applying for financial aid, tools for estimating costs, what parents and students should know about financial aid, and more
  • Edsouth: offers specialized loan programs, outreach services, investment opportunities, and information on student loans
  • FAFSA: Federal Student Aid website for filling out a FAFSA online, making corrections, or information on federal student aid
  • FastWeb: a number of financial aid resources for finding scholarships, internships, and advice on financial aid decisions
  • Tennessee Student Assistance: The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) provides access to financial aid information specific to Tennessee.

Educational Sites

Summer Academy Faculty & Staff Resources

During the summer students have the opportunity to live on campus at Tusculum University in a controlled environment to experience a college campus.  Students participate in high school classes in preparation for the upcoming academic year.  Students experience dorm life, attending classes, and fun, cultural afternoon experiences.

Instructor Guide

Instructor Information

Course Information

Class Reports

Submit at the end of each course.

Other Forms

  • Student Course Survey: Coming soon!  This is a survey for students to complete on the final day of the course for feedback.
  • Support Request Form: Please use this form to list any concerns that need to be brought to the attention of UB/UBMS staff members.  This can be completed as often as needed.

Residential Staff Guide

Job Responsibilities

  • Residential Handbook: coming soon!
  • Student Observation: Summer staff members complete the student observation during the summer phase.

Forms

Income Verification
Counselor Recommendation
New Student Orientation

 

Policies

Code of Conduct
Computer Usage
Nondiscrimination Statement

 

FAQ

Am I eligible?

To qualify for participation in Upward Bound, students must attend a high school in the area the program serves and must be between the ages of 13 and 19. Additionally, Upward Bound participants must qualify as potential first-generation college students or meet family taxable income requirements as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Most students will be enrolled during their 9th grade year. Participants are encouraged to remain with the program through high school graduation and college enrollment.

Cost?

Services are provided at no cost to eligible participants; we are funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

What happens after I submit my application?

All UB staff reviews applications on a regular basis and accepts applications throughout the year. Sometimes we receive more applications than we have space and have to place eligible students on a waiting list for later admission.

What's my commitment?

Students who are accepted into UB are accepted for the remainder of their high school careers provided they keep their grades up and continue to participate. We ask that students attend UB sponsored events when possible and come to the fall, spring, and summer semesters. We promise to make an investment in your education, if you promise to invest your time and energy in UB.

For athletes, we understand that you may not be able to attend all events and activities.

POLICIES

Does UB offer high school or college credit?

Students who participate in UB will eventually receive 1 high school credit for their participation. Students who attend the summer after they graduate from high school will have the opportunity to receive 4 college credits, which can be transferred to the college you plan to attend.

CONTACT

(423)636-7325
upwardbound@tusculum.edu

Upward Bound
P.O. Box 5053
Greeneville, TN 37745

Annie Hogan Byrd, 106

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ERIN FRIZZELL
Upward Bound Associate Director

efrizzell@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5276

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JULIE MARTIN
Upward Bound Academic Advisor

jmartin@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5220

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DAVID SMITH
TRIO Programs Director

dsmith@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5225

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CORY SMITH
Cocke-Hawkins Upward Bound Associate Director

csmith@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5707

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MORGAN COURTENEY
Cocke-Hawkins Upward Bound Associate Director

cmorgan@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5728

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APRIL LANE
UB & Talent Search Administrative Assistant

alane@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7325 ext. 5325

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CRISTALENE TORRES
Upward Bound Academic Advisor

ctorres@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5822

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Upward Bound at Tusculum University