Are you a Dayton-area high school student with dreams of attending college? The University of Dayton Upward Bound Program can help you achieve that dream!
Upward Bound is an intensive, year-round college preparatory program that provides academic support and focuses on your personal development during high school. The program is open to prospective first-generation college students (meaning neither parent has received a four-year college degree), as well as students who come from families that meet federal low-income household guidelines.
The UD Upward Bound Program targets students who attend the following Dayton Public Schools: Belmont High School, Dunbar Early College Academy and Meadowdale High School. The program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Our two-part program provides you with year-round academic tutoring, college visits, counseling, workshops, cultural and educational experiences, test preparation and a six-week Summer Academy with an on-campus living experience.
Our ultimate goal is to produce transformative adults who actively pursue and obtain professional careers, and make their marks on the world.
Application Information
Students interested in applying to the University of Dayton Upward Bound Program can submit an application online. The process is as follows:
- Complete the online application.
- Please complete all of the fields in the application. Depending on the device you use to complete the application, use your mouse or finger to sign your name in the signature fields.
- The application has parts that need to be completed by both a parent and the student. It is very important that the student completes their own student essays. We want to hear their voice and learn more about them, their goals, and aspirations.
- Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a letter via email within 7 business days as to whether or not you have been accepted.
Student Resources
Ohio High School Graduation Requirements
College Resources
Financial aid
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Fastweb (access to more than 1.5 million scholarships)
- Federal Student Aid
Scholarship info
- The Dayton Foundation: Scholarships for Dayton-area students.
- JLV College Counseling Scholarship and Contest guide: Scholarships for minorities, international students, athletic scholarships, military scholarships, gender scholarships, scholarships by major, LGBTQ+ scholarships, religious scholarships, etc.
College selection
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the UD Upward Bound Program?
- Prospective first-generation college students (neither parent has earned a four-year college degree)
- Students who come from families that meet low-income guidelines, defined as below federal household guidelines
- Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and attend one of the program's three target Dayton Public Schools: Meadowdale, Belmont, or Dunbar
- High school students who have completed the 8th grade, but have not yet started the 12th grade.
What is the program's cost?
- There is no cost to participants or their families for the program's services, which includes room, food and fees (excluding medical expenses).
Can I just attend the Summer Academy?
- No. The Upward Bound Program is a year-round program which provides support to students all throughout high school. Students are required to attend the Summer Academy and the academic year component as well.
When can I apply?
- Students interested in the Upward Bound Program can apply as early as the Spring of their 8th grade year, to be considered for a Summer Start; and at any time while they are enrolled in high school, but prior to the summer before their Senior year.
How many students are enrolled in the UD Upward Bound program?
- The program is funded to serve 63 students.
Summer Academy Instructor Application
The University of Dayton Upward Bound Program serves Dayton Public School students in grades 9-12 whose goal is a college education. They're motivated, eager and excited to prepare for a successful future. The UD Upward Bound Program's Summer Academy spans six weeks during the summer (for specific dates, email upwardbound@udayton.edu). All courses are taught at the University of Dayton.
Instructor Qualifications
To be Summer Academy instructor, you must have:
- Bachelor's degree in math, science (biology or chemistry), or language arts
- Teaching licensure
- Prior teaching experience
Instructor Duties
This innovative summer instructor position includes:
- Creating and implementing lesson plans and hands-on activities
- Developing learning goals and objectives
- Evaluating progress through tests, assignments and projects
Compensation
The pay rate for Summer Academy instructors is based on qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to the Upward Bound Program. The annual application deadline is April 15 (or until filled).
