Upward Bound

Institution:

California State University, San Bernardino

State:

California

Academic Level:

Baccalaureate

Issue Area:

Support Services

Program Focus:

College Prep

Website:

https://www.csusb.edu/upward-bound

Key Personnel:

Dalia Hernandez

Contact Info:

dalia.Hernandez@csusb.edu | 909.537.7493

Overview

The mission of Upward Bound at California State University, San Bernardino is to empower students, families, and communities through innovative experiences. The program aims to enhance postsecondary completion rates among its primarily Hispanic/Latinx participants by supporting high school completion, facilitating college transitions, and fostering excellence. The Upward Bound Success Center (UBSC) provides resources and services to boost academic performance, including tutoring, instruction, advising, coaching, and mentoring. Additionally, the Summer University program offers an immersive academic environment with rigorous instruction and a glimpse into collegiate life through on-campus residence.

Program Description

Upward Bound is strategically designed to provide academic support services and resources to low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. Key strategies include academic support through tutoring and supplemental instruction, counseling, mentoring, and advising services to address barriers to academic progress. To expose students to college, Upward Bound organizes college visits and assists with applications and the financial aid process in addition to providing cultural enrichment activities and opportunities for active parent, family, and caregiver engagement through its Parent University program. Upward Bound tailors its practices to consider the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors shaping Latinx students' experiences, integrating culturally and linguistically relevant curriculum, providing bilingual support services, and collaborating with local Latinx communities and organizations.

Outcome

California State University, San Bernardino found that Upward Bound participants achieve higher rates of high school graduation, college enrollment, and postsecondary completion compared to their peers. The program's comprehensive support services significantly improve academic outcomes for Latinx students. This past year, the program served 90% Latinx students.

High School Graduation Rates: 85.8% of Latinx Upward Bound students successfully attained high school graduation with a rigorous program of study, compared to 44% of their peers in the region.
FAFSA Completion Rates: 94% of Latinx Upward Bound students completed and submitted the FAFSA, surpassing the regional rate of 71%.
College Enrollment Rates: 79.1% of Latinx students enrolled in postsecondary education, compared to the regional rate of 49%.
Postsecondary Completion Rates: 48.3% of Latinx students completed their postsecondary education within six years, demonstrating sustained support and guidance provided by the program.