The Temple Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science programs are federally-funded college access programs designed to provide first-generation, low-income, and/or students at academic risk the supports needed to pursue and be successful through a college degree. The programs operate year-round and consist of weekday after-school tutoring and college access programming, Saturday academic instruction and enrichment, and a six-week summer program that culminates with a multi-day trip touring college campuses.
What are Upward Bound (UB) and Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS)?
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are year-round College Preparatory Programs for motivated high school students attending public district or charter schools in Philadelphia. These programs:
- Promote and enable academic excellence
- Expose students to colleges and career awareness
- Develop leadership skills
- Provide students with a six-week summer college academic experience
- Encourage positive social interactions with peers and authority figures
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science offer extensive support to participants in their preparation for college. The programs provide opportunities for participants to succeed in their high school courses and co-curricular activities and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. UB and UBMS serve high school students from low-income families and/or from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. Students must have a goal of enrolling in college. The aim of UB and UBMS is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education. Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science have been highly successful in achieving their mission of preparing and graduating future college scholars.
Temple Upward Bound has a "civic engagement" focus and supports students to enter any college major.
Temple Upward Bound Math & Science has a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focus so as to prepare students interested in college majors and careers in STEM fields.
Program Services
- Instruction in courses fundamental to completing high school and preparing for college coursework (e.g. math, science, composition, foreign language, reading, writing, study skills) and other subjects necessary for academic success
- Dual enrollment opportunities to take college courses while in high school
- Academic, financial, and personal advising
- Exposure to academic programs and cultural events
- Tutoring and mentoring services
- Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams
- Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits
- A six week summer program, including academic, social, and cultural activities
- College visits and educational trips
- Personal, career, and skill development activities and experiences
- Participation in various clubs and activities (ex. coding club, student government, media productions, debate team)
- Programming for parents/guardians to support them in assisting students’ transition to postsecondary education
Contact
Explore our Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the application or the programs, please call 215-204-3636 or email ubtemple@temple.edu
Apply to Upward Bound Online
The Temple Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science programs accepts applications on a rolling basis from students currently in the 9th or 10th grade who attend Philadelphia public district or charter high schools. Priority acceptance is given to students attending the following schools:
- Benjamin Franklin High School
- Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School
- Simon Gratz High School Mastery Charter
- Strawberry Mansion High School
- The U School
The application deadline for students wishing to attend the Summer Academy is May 31st. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!
The application process includes:
- Submission of an online application (linked below),
- Submission of various eligibility documents (i.e. report card, PSSA Test scores income verification, etc.), and
- Participation in a virtual interview with program staff
Applicants who meet program eligibility requirements will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with members of the UB and UBMS program staff. Students accepted into either Temple UB or UBMS will begin in that program as soon as they and their parents/guardians have attended a mandatory orientation session.
