Upward Bound Student Resources

NIU’s Upward Bound program helps you gain academic skills and motivation to complete high school and get admitted to college. Upward Bound courses, workshops, seminars and other activities are designed to address your specific needs.

Upward Bound provides tutoring, personal and academic counseling, college readiness workshops, career exploration, opportunities to visit colleges and cultural sites, test preparation, assistance with completing financial aid forms and college applications and an intensive, optional residential academic summer program on NIU’s campus.

No, the Upward Bound Program does not recruit for NIU. We are here to encourage and assist you with your college goals, no matter what school you want to attend.

Ninth though twelfth grade students who attend Jefferson, Guilford, Auburn or East High School in Rockford, or West or East High School in Aurora are eligible. You must enroll in the program prior to starting twelfth grade to be able to participate.

You can ask your school counselor, talk to a member of the Upward Bound staff at your high school or download and print the application.

You and your parent must complete and sign the application and provide all requested documentation. After we receive your application, a member of the Upward Bound program staff will contact you to set up an interview with you and your parent.