Upward Bound

The Upward Bound Program at Savannah State University (SSU) is designed to provide fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and, ultimately, in their higher education pursuits.

Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Its goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education.

During the academic year, students participate in Scholar Saturday Sessions once a month with an emphasis on academic instruction/enrichment activities. These sessions include assistance with test preparation, coursework, and other enrichment activities. Students are also engaged in instruction/tutorial sessions at five target high school sites in mathematics, natural sciences, history, and English four days per week. All Thursday sessions will be online in a virtual environment. Participants also receive career/college planning and placement assistance, SAT/ACT/GA-Milestones review sessions, cultural activities and field trips, and individual and group counseling and mentoring sessions (personal/academic/career).

During the summer, students reside in university residence halls and receive intensive academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory science, English composition/literature, reading, study skills, computer science, and foreign languages in a simulated college environment.

Students also participate in community service projects, mentoring, cultural enrichment, and work-study programs, as well as education and counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy. Additional courses such as dance, drama, wellness, art, and chorus supplement the rigorous academic schedule.