The TRIO Upward Bound Programs are hosted by the University of Montevallo and housed in the Division of Academic Affairs and are 100% funded by grants from the US Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education. UM has hosted an Upward Bound program since 1986, In 2017 the university received three grants totaling $977,632 per year for five years for a total of $4,888,115.
The classic Upward Bound programs provide intensive college preparatory support to potential first-generation college students and/or economically disadvantaged youth to help them successfully complete high school and enter college with the skills and motivation to complete a degree. They provide supplemental education, tutoring, ACT Prep, career exploration, academic counseling, assistance with scholarship and financial aid applications, and many other services for qualified students who want to go to college.