Application Process

If you are interested in becoming an Upward Bound participant, please read the following information to get started!

Upward Bound participants must attend one of the target schools that Upward Bound currently works with. Students who are homeschooled AND who live in the home area of a target school are eligible to apply for Upward Bound services. You can find our full list of target schools by clicking here.

We are unable to accept participants that do not attend one of the target schools above. UMaine Upward Bound Programs are two of the seven that exist in the state of Maine.

If you do not attend a target school for UMaine Upward Bound, you can see if you are eligible for one of the following UB programs: Bowdoin College (UB), the University of Southern Maine (UB + Veterans’ UB), the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UB), and the University of Maine at Farmington (UB).

The Federal TRIO Programs were established to bring educational advising and opportunities to populations that have been historically underserved. In Maine, a population in need of services would be rural, low-income families. Student eligibility is determined by their family income AND/OR their family educational background. Family income is consistent with the Federal Poverty Guidelines which is below. Low-income levels retrieved from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Federal TRIO Programs were established to bring educational advising and opportunities to populations that have been historically underserved. In Maine, a population in need of services would be rural, low-income families. Student eligibility is determined by family income AND/OR family educational background.

Upward Bound participants are often the first in their immediate family to obtain a four-year bachelors degree. The term coined for this type of student would be ‘first-generation’. Students who want to go to college, but will be the first in their families to do so, are eligible for UB!

Students must complete the Reference Request Form.

Students must submit the information for four (4) references. These references will be a Guidance/School Counselor, a Math or English teacher, a teacher of choice, and a personal reference (excluding family)

Once completed, the Upward Bound staff will reach out to your references for completion. We recommend making your school staff aware of your intent to apply so that your references are completed in a timely fashion.

Students and Guardians must complete the Student Application.

Students should complete the first part of the application themselves, this includes a student questionnaire as well as a personal essay.

The essay is present to learn a bit more about a student and their writing ability. It is recommended that the essay be three paragraphs in length. This essay is not a graded material.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must complete the Parent/Guardian Information and questionnaire section, as well as the financial information section. This information allows us to determine the eligibility of your student for this federal program.

Both the student and their parent/guardian must sign on the consent section of the application to successfully submit it.

Once a student is completely finished with BOTH the Reference Request Form and the Student Application, Upward Bound staff will conduct a student interview.

This interview is the last step in the application process, and is typically conducted at the students school, or on Zoom if necessary.

Questions?

Email upwardbound@maine.edu