Upward Bound

Upward Bound at Polk State College prepares its participants for college and professional success.  We help our participants recognize and tap into their inner talents and strengths to develop resiliency and persistence, regardless of life’s challenges.

OPPORTUNITY
Polk State College is an active partner to our community of over 32,000 high school students.  It is a responsibility that we nurture by creating an environment that encourages all students, as well as faculty and staff in the pursuit of academic excellence.

The Upward Bound program of Polk State College is designed to prepare students in grades 9 through 12 for success in post-secondary education.  Upward Bound, as of September 2017, services both east and west Polk County high schools – 13 total.  East: Auburndale, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Region, Lake Wales, Ridge Community, and Winter Haven.  West: Lakeland, Kathleen, Lake Gibson, Tenoroc, Mulberry, and Fort Meade, in their efforts to provide intensive academic and motivational potential to students who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education.

ACADEMIC YEAR
The academic component of Upward Bound is held in conjunction with the regular academic school year. In addition to having Academic Success Coaches stationed at each target high school, participants attend Discovery Saturday sessions at the Winter Haven Campus in accordance with the Upward Bound Academic Calendar.

During Discovery Saturdays, students participate in a variety of educational and college preparatory activities. Individual needs assessment enables instruction and counseling to be tailored to each student. Upward Bound’s academic year includes a residential component and a six-week summer program.

APPLICATION

To apply, obtain an application from your targeted high school’s Academic Success Coach.  For additional information, Upward Bound Administration can be reached at 863.292.3705.

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education for five years with over $2,639,200.00.