State Fair Community College Upward Bound

Program Description

The SFCC Upward Bound program is a partnership between State Fair Community College and the Sedalia #200 School District. Upward Bound is a federally funded college academic enrichment opportunity targeting first-generation high school students. Housed at Smith-Cotton High School, the program motivates participants to develop the skills necessary to complete high school and successfully obtain a college degree.

Throughout the academic year, participants receive individual peer-led tutoring, academic performance stipends, college campus visits, fine arts enrichment activities, cultural field trips, a financial aid seminar, leadership training, and ACT preparation instruction.

During the summer, participants take part in a college immersion experience. While living in the SFCC residence hall, students have the opportunity to attend classes in Math, Literature and Composition, Foreign Language and Culture, Laboratory Science, Computer Technology, Weight Training, Aerobics, Study Skills, Studio Art, and Theatre. After completing the summer component, participants receive 1 elective credit, a P.E. credit, and the opportunity to enjoy an out-of-state cultural reward trip.

Academic performance and college readiness are key aspects of the SFCC Upward Bound program. Upward Bound students, on average achieve ACT scores 15% above the state-wide average, resulting in an average Upward Bound participants ACT score of 25. The program has visited many different colleges, allowing students the opportunity to attain an on the ground experience at some of the major colleges throughout the Midwest. SFCC Upward Bound graduates are currently attending colleges across the country. 60%-75% of all Upward Bound graduates have proceeded on to a post secondary program of study the fall semester after high school graduation. Upward Bound provides service to 50+ students attending Smith-Cotton High School. There is no cost to the participant or to the family. To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be a first-generation college student (cannot reside with a natural/adoptive parent who has a bachelor's degree) -or- be at-risk for academic failure -or- must meet a federally regulated income guideline set annually by the federal government. Upward Bound recruits new participants every fall. If you have any questions about Upward Bound, please stop by our office or contact a staff member.

Demographics

Education Level and
Number of Students

• High School: 50
• Middle School: 0
• Elementary School: 0
• Post-secondary: 0
• Non-traditional: 0

Populations Served

• Academically At-risk

First-Generation

• Between 50% and 75%

Representative
Colleges Attended
by Alumni

• Central Methodist University (2)
• Drury University (1)
• Full Sail University (1)
• Graceland University-Lamoni (1)
• Missouri State University-Springfield (3)
• Missouri University of Science and Technology (1)
• Northwestern University (1)
• Purdue University-Main Campus (1)
• Saint Louis University (1)
• Southwest Baptist University (2)
• State Fair Community College (29)
• Truman State University (2)
• University of Central Missouri (3)
• University of Chicago (1)
• University of Kansas (1)
• University of Missouri (4)
• University of Missouri-Kansas City (1)
• University of Missouri-St Louis (1)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1)