Upward Bound

University of Oklahoma
Upward Bound

Through a generous grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education and the kind sponsorship of the University of Oklahoma, 63 students are chosen from the Oklahoma City metro target schools of  U.S. Grant High School, Northwest Classen High School, Millwood High School, and Santa Fe South High School to become part of  Upward Bound.

For over 50 years Upward Bound programs have provided students who are first-generation, low-income, or have high academic risk with education and opportunities to help them both excel and graduate high school, ultimately attending the post-secondary college or university of their choice.

We provide these services to students throughout the academic year and summer portions of our program free of charge. In addition, Upward Bound students have an opportunity to earn stipends through participation and attendance.

OUUB Application

Apply for OU Upward Bound

If you have not recently submitted an application to OU Upward Bound, please know that space is limited. We will contact students in order of submission.

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Upward Bound

About Upward Bound

Goals

The mission of U.S. Department of Education-funded TRIO programs, including Upward Bound, is that each participant completes high school and attends a post-secondary college or university (not specifically our host institution).

Dedication to helping students extends to the post-secondary level. At OU, TRIO students have access to community and support through Student Support Services - Project Threshold.

As rising juniors, OU TRIO students can apply for McNair Scholars, which helps students with the goal of earning a PhD.

Our Supporters

Our program is generously supported by the OU Office of Access and Opportunity and OU Housing and Food through staffing, office spaces, and financial donations.

Our summer program is kindly assisted by the efforts of the aforementioned departments as well as the OU Writing Center, OU Student Affairs, OU Student Life, and our academic partners via the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education.

If your organization or campus office would like to collaborate with Upward Bound feel free to contact us anytime!

Programs and Services

Academic Program Year

The Academic Year Program provides in-school advising, academic support, and community service opportunities during the school year.

During the academic year OU Upward Bound provides:

Saturday Session workshops focusing on financial awareness, career exploration, and college exam preparation
Regular academic advising visits from OU Upward Bound academic professionals
College tours visiting Oklahoma colleges
Community service events
Cultural and social events
ACT test preparation support
College application, financial aid, and admissions support during the student's senior year

Summer Academic Institute

The Summer Academic Institute is held on the OU Norman campus in June and July for a total of six weeks. Students stay on campus during the week giving them the opportunity to experience living and learning like a college student while still in high school

Each week, the Summer Academic Institute provides:

Five hours of academic courses (English, math, science, college/ACT preparation, and a foreign language) held in various academic departments across campus
Two hours of sports and recreation (swimming, soccer, basketball, and others) facilitated by Fitness and Recreation staff
Two to three hours of inspirational speakers or enriching workshops
Three meals a day either in the Couch Center cafeteria or catered by Housing and Food Services
Team-building activities and events such as river rafting, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and much more

Students who participate in the entire summer program and maintain exemplary behavior are eligible for an out-of-state summer college tour. OUUB staff determine who and who may not participate in the trip.

Additional Information

Is your school not covered by OU Upward Bound? We want you to find a TRIO program for you!

All Upward Bound programs support and promote college success and we do not specifically direct students to our host instiutions, nor do our programs give students preferential treatment.

Here are links to all the programs in the Oklahoma City, Putnam City, Yukon, Mid-Del, and Moore metros.

Upward Bound Programs:

Talent Search:

(Talent Search has many things in common with Upward Bound except it starts with students as young as 6th grade and offers a different kind of summer programming.)

TRIO Professional Organizations:

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Upward Bound

Contact

Jackie Mansker

Program Director

Email: jmansker@ou.edu

Coming Soon

Assistant Director

Email: TBA

Location:

Lissa and Cy Wagner Hall
1005 Asp Ave, Suite 215
Norman, OK 73019