The Upward Bound program operates through a grant from the United States Department of Education and is sponsored by the Academic Foundations Center at Rutgers University-Newark. The intensive college preparatory served 9th-, 10th- and 11th-graders from East Orange STEM Academy High School, East Orange Campus High School and Cicely L. Tyson Community School of the Performing & Fine Arts High School, East Orange.
The goal of the Upward Bound Program is to motivate and prepare underserved, potential first-generation college bound students to complete high school and enroll in postsecondary school. Programs focus on rigorous academic development with particular emphasis on mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. In addition to the core curriculum, students benefit from cultural enrichment activities, such as field trips to museums and community events, and benefit from supplemental academic services such as tutoring.
The Upward Bound Program is comprised of two components: a Saturday Institute and a Summer Institute. During the Saturday Institute students will benefit from Saturday enrichment classes from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the Summer Institute, students participate in a six-week program from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All services and activities are provided at no cost to participants or their families.