The National Park College Upward Bound (UB) program provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance.
Upward Bound serves 60 eligible ninth through twelfth grade students at Hot Springs and Mountain Pine high schools. The goal of Upward
Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and
enroll in and graduate from institutions of post secondary education.
The Upward Bound Program lays a strong academic and social foundation and prepares students for college. Beyond the opportunity to participate in a positive, motivating, college-focused environment, participants receive intensive year-round academic preparation, tutoring services, and test preparation for the ACT and SAT. Students can participate in college and cultural tours, and personal and career development activities and workshops during Saturday Academy sessions and the UB Summer Academy.
There is no cost to students or family, just the investment of time and interest in your future. Students must demonstrate a willingness to commit to the Upward Bound program. Students can receive a stipend of up to $40 per month based upon the student's commitment and participation, attitude in the program and performance in school. Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive free services, a student must:
- Be enrolled in grades nine through 12 at Mountain Pine or Hot Springs High School
- Have a desire to go to college
- Must meet at least one of the two criteria below:
- Be a potential first-generation college student (A first-generation college student is one whose parents or legal guardians have not earned a four-year college degree) OR
- Meet income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Education
Academics & ACT Prep
Weekly advising meetings are held at the high schools to cultivate effective social
and study skills, time management, leadership and test taking skills. ACT preparation
workshops and software are provided at no cost to the participants to help increase
test scores.
College Readiness & Planning
Information workshops with topics in scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs,
admissions requirements, college survival skills and assistance completing the FAFSA
are provided yearly. Participants receive college tours of some of the most popular
colleges in Arkansas, along with college application waivers.
Social & Cultural Enrichment
Cultural enrichment activities are available consisting of music, art, museums, plays
and community service events.
Summer Academy
During the summer component of UB, students participate in a six-week enrichment institute.
Students take core-subject classes, receive college and career readiness, program-sponsored
career day and college visits.
Bridge Program
Upon high school graduation, eligible seniors may participate in a Summer Bridge program.
This program allows students to enroll in up to six hours of college credit courses.
Tuition, fees and books are paid in full by the UB program.