Upward Bound

An aerial view of people forming the letter U and B on a field.

Are you a Vermont high school student who will be the first in your family to attend college?  Are you from a modest or low-income family? If so, Vermont State University can help you chart your course to a college degree with the support of Upward Bound, a free college preparation program available at VTSU. 

Upward Bound, created in 1965, is one of the federal programs that support educational opportunities for Americans regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic circumstances. This college preparation program offers free educational, cultural, and social activities funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  

If you are interested in participating in an Upward Bound program in your area, please click on the tile below for the campus program that is closest to your high school. 

Upward Bound Fast Facts:

  • The program is open to eligible high school students from low- or modest-income families who will be the first in their families to attend college.
  • Year-round academic and career advising and coaching
  • A summer residential opportunity available each summer for up to 6 weeks
  • Opportunities to develop leadership skills
  • Fee waivers for AP and SAT exams and college applications
  • SAT exam preparation
  • Help completing financial aid and scholarship applications
  • Support in making a college decision that is best for you and your family

Upward Bound is available on three VTSU campuses: Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon. Each campus-based program serves students from high schools in the area.  

Castleton Upward Bound serves:

  • Fair Haven Union High School 
  • Mill River Union High School 
  • Otter Valley Union High School 
  • Poultney High School 
  • Rutland Senior High School 
  •  West Rutland School. 
  • Any Eligible Rutland County student 
Castleton Upward Bound

Johnson Upward Bound serves:

  • BFA St. Albans 
  • Enosburgh Falls High School 
  • Lamoille Union High School 
  • Missisquoi Valley Union High School 
  • North Country Union High School 
  • Peoples Academy 
  • Richford High School. 
Johnson Upward Bound

Lyndon Upward Bound serves:

  • Blue Mountain Union High School, 
  • Canann High School 
  • Craftsbury Academy 
  • Danville High School 
  • Hazen Union High School 
  • Lake Region Union High School 
  • Rivendell Academy 
  • Woodsville High School. 
  • St. Johnsbury Academy 
Lyndon Upward Bound