About the Upward Bound Project at Norfolk State University
Upward Bound is a program for high school students who are considering continuing their education after graduation.
- Learn how to study smart and manage time wisely.
- Prepare, be admitted, and succeed in college.
- Be introduced to new technology.
- Get a head start on next year’s classes.
- • Get to know what college life is like by spending time during the summer at Norfolk State University.
- Find out more about yourself, your interests, and your potential for success.
Attainment of a higher-education degree is one of the greatest contributors to financial well-being and Upward Bound stands committed to working with students to facilitate this goal.
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There are a few basic requirements to join the program, though. You need to:
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Be a student at one of the following target schools:
- Churchland High School
- I.C. Norcom High School
- Wilson High School
- Booker T. Washington High School
- Granby High School
- Lake Taylor High School
- Maury High School
- Norview High School
- Be a 9th or 10th grade student
- Have a current grade point average of 2.30 or higher.
- Be willing to take a college-bound curriculum.
- Be a potential first-generation college student (this means that your parents or guardians do not have a four-year college degree) and/or your family's taxable income meets low-income guidelines.
UB Academics
During the academic year, students meet bi-weekly on Saturday mornings. In these meetings (Saturday Academy), students develop skills that will make them stronger students and more efficient at doing their school work as well as prepare them for success in college. This is accomplished by using a variety of learning techniques, technologies, and activities that may not be used in traditional classrooms. During the Saturday sessions students take classes in English, Reading Comprehension, Math, Science, and Life Management course.
Sessions are held on the Norfolk State University campus allowing students to attend a variety of academic, athletic, and cultural events. This also gives the students the opportunity to meet University faculty and staff and find out what “going to college is all about" as well as meet persons in different agencies from their communities.
All Upward Bound activities are free and transportation to sponsored activities is provided. Students also receive a stipend (money) for their attendance
Weekly After-School Meetings
During the academic year, participants attend a two-hour Upward Bound meeting once a week at the Upward Bound Office. Meetings are usually held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, but the starting time may vary due to on school holidays or early dismissal.
In the meetings, students experience a curriculum that pulls together academics, career counseling, and technology. They learn things about going to college. Students may also perform community service projects during meeting times and learned about careers that require a college education.
College Preparation
Being successful in college requires preparation that begins long before senior year. Preparing involves taking college-bound courses during high school, learning how to study effectively, understanding terms such as credit/semester hour, Pell Grant, graduation analysis, etc.; and much more.
In Upward Bound, participants plan for college admittance, develop skills to succeed in high school, and explore their career interests. Even though actually attending college may be two or more years in the future, Upward Bound participants learn that decisions made today affect their choices after graduation from high school.
The Upward Bound Summer Program
During the summer, students experience college life first-hand by living in one of Norfolk State University's residence halls (Don't worry, the rooms are air-conditioned!). During the day, students take classes in math, science, and language arts to prepare them for classes they will take during the upcoming academic year. They also take a foreign language class and a technology seminar. All the hard work has its rewards, though, like becoming a better student, meeting some great new people, and trying new things.In the evenings, students learn and have time for creative arts and sports —sign language, social graces, arts & crafts, and kickboxing, are just a few of the activities offered that can be enjoyed throughout their lifetimes.
Students also participate in the Annual Upward Bound Awards Banquet, showcasing their many accomplishments and achievements throughout the course of their studies.
At the end of the summer program, students are invited on a trip to a major metropolitan area that includes a variety of cultural activities and a college visit.
Check out our summer calendar for all the details.
Summer Bridge Program
Norfolk State University Upward Bound Program is designed to provide students with an academic experience that will ease their transition from high school to college.
Bridge students have the opportunity to enroll into two college level courses and the Bridge Seminar. When taking these classes, it is important to remember that college-level courses are different from high school classes. Class expectations, pace of learning, class size, testing, as well as a student’s relationship with professors, may be quite different from what s/he is accustomed to. The goal is to accept the changes and develop strategies for success.
During the summer session, Upward Bound Bridge students must attend all class meetings and activities While Bridge students enjoy greater privileges than other Upward Bound students, they still are expected to respect and abide by program guidelines. If Bridge students have questions about residence life, they should first ask their residence advisor or residence director. If Bridge students have questions about academic issues, they must ask the program’s counselor or director.
Bridge students may participate in Upward Bound social activities, as well as academic classes, special interest activities, and lifetime sport activities if their schedules allow. Once a Bridge student has committed to participating in an event, however, s/he must honor that commitment completely.
