About Upward Bound

A Year Round Program

The UM Upward Bound program is divided into two components: the Academic Component and the Summer Component.

The Academic Component

Students meet sixteen times (about every other week) from September to May alternating between Monday and Tuesday evenings. UMUB provides bus transportation from the target schools to the University of Montevallo.

Each session is divided into four parts: three academic classes of forty-five minutes and a thirty minute assembly. The academic classes are seminar-style and emphasize a particular skill or concept. These sessions are designed to resemble college classes as closely as possible to give the participant an opportunity to experience the college setting. Students may elect to meet with tutors or do their homework instead of one of the academic classes.

The Summer Component

For six weeks during each summer, students experience living and learning in a true college setting. In the mornings, students attend academic (block) classes that provide in-depth learning through interactive instruction and laboratory experiences.

Development, enrichment, and leadership classes expose students to various role models through motivational speakers, college representatives, career mentors, and peer mentors. Electives—fun classes such as drama, debate, journalism, music, art, wellness and nutrition, or creative cooking—are available in the afternoons. Juniors, seniors, and Bridge students may participate in our work-study program in lieu of one of these classes.
The evenings are structured to allow time for tutoring, physical and recreation activities, and entertainment. Special activities such as the annual trip to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Mr. and Ms. Upward Bound competition, the end-of-summer trip, and the awards banquet add to the unique summer experience.