Upward Bound

Preparing high school students for college success

TRIO Upward Bound services are designed to improve academic performance, increase student motivation and facilitate the transition from one level of education to the next. Through this pipeline program, first-generation and/or low-income college-bound high school students receive academic support, mentoring, university exposure and the tools to successfully graduate high school, enter college and earn a postsecondary degree.

Hosted at ASU Tempe, the Upward Bound program annually prepares 200 students for college. In addition to serving high school students within Maricopa County, Arizona State University and the Phoenix Union High School District have partnered to offer Upward Bound to Alhambra, Carl Hayden Community, César Chávez and Maryvale High School students and families.

The newest programs to join the TRIO family, the Upward Bound program at ASU West serves the Glendale Union High School District and Tolleson Union High School District allowing more students around the valley to apply to a TRIO program.

Operating continuously at ASU since 1966, Upward Bound’s high-quality staff, exceptional resources, and strong institutional and community support help students achieve their educational and career goals. Upward Bound participants are empowered to achieve professional and personal goals and experience personal, cultural, educational, social and career development.

Resources

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Eligibility requirements

To participate and receive services, a student must meet the following criteria:

First-generation college-bound student (parent or guardian did not graduate with a four-year degree) or from a low-income household (family taxable income meets guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education).
13 years old but no older than 19 years of age at time of admission.
Completed 8th grade but have yet to graduate from high school at time of admission.
U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.
Resident of Maricopa County or attend any high school in Maricopa County. Priority is given to students from the Phoenix Union High School District (Alhambra, Cesar Chavez, Carl Hayden Community and Maryvale High Schools) and the Glendale Union High School District.
Demonstrate a need for academic support.

Application process

Current high school students are invited to join TRIO Upward Bound.
Submit an online application.
Your high school counselor will be contacted to retrieve your academic information completing your application.
Completed applications will be processed for review.

Confirm your enrollment

A TRIO Upward Bound staff member will contact you in order to determine your admission to the program.

Apply now

Select based on the campus of your major.

Tempe

For students who attend a school within Phoenix Union High School District (PXU)

For students who attend a high school within Maricopa County

Tolleson

For students who attend Sierra Linda, La Joya, or Tolleson High School within Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD)

For students who attend Copper Canyon or Westview High School within Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD)

West Valley

For students who attend Cortez, Glendale, Independence, Washington within Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD

Upward Bound Spotlight

This experience made me feel comfortable about the transition to college, and it was the right space for me to grow with a community of highly excelling students…Because of this experience, there weren’t any other serious college considerations for me because I already had a built-in community at ASU.

Cindy Rogel Bahena BSE in Materials Science

ASU TRIO Upward Bound impact

98% high school graduation rate
97% college enrollment rate
Over 3,000 hours of annual community service
Over 8,500 hours of direct services provided annually

Available services

Academic year program offerings

Supplemental, academic instruction throughout the entire year
Tutoring
Academic advisement
Preparation in college entrance exams
Counseling, social and personal development sessions

Cultural, social and intellectual enrichment activities

Designed to foster student growth
Broaden student awareness, appreciation and respect for each other.

Student advocacy at various postsecondary institutions

Scholarship programs
Internships
Study abroad opportunities

Summer residential programs

Continues academic support with college simulation experiences for high school students and bridge transition experience for high school graduates.

Assistance with applying for college

College selection
Admission, entrance exams, financial aid and housing
Postsecondary support

Contact us

Locations

TRIO Upward Bound at ASU Tempe

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus

430 E. University Dr.
Palo Verde West Hub
PO Box 873905
Tempe, AZ 85287-3905
480-965-6483
[email protected]

TRIO Upward Bound at ASU West Valley

Arizona State University, West Valley campus

4701 W. Thunderbird Rd.
University Center Building, Room #220
Mail Code 2252
Glendale, AZ 85306
602-496-0972

Stay Connected

Upward Bound Alumni Registration

Staff

Marlene Ortega
Program Director
[email protected]
480-965-9410

Teresa Gonzales
Senior Coordinator
[email protected]
480-965-7149

Joys Robles
Coordinator
[email protected]
602-543-4980

Cynthia Magaña
Coordinator
[email protected]
480-727-9016

Elizabeth Evaristo
Program Director
[email protected]
602-496-3392

Jennifer Gray
Program Director
[email protected]
602.496.3298

Newsletters for Families and Educators

Embark on a transformative journey with the Access ASU Family Newsletter or the Access ASU Educator Newsletter. These newsletters are packed with useful insights into college and career readiness that will empower students to dream big and pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

Families Educators