UPWARD BOUND
Upward Bound (UB) at Tusculum College is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to help students do well in high school while providing them preparation for college success. Students selected for UB meet with a counselor at their respective school on a regular basis. Freshmen participate in the Math and Science Program in which they take monthly field trips that relate to careers within the math and science scope.  Students in grades 10-12 attend Monday evening enrichment classes during the UB Academic Phase. These classes are a unique hands-on learning experience, covering a wide variety of topics. The courses offer UB students a chance to experience a college-like curriculum. A list of typical classes offered can be found in the UB course link. Transportation to Tusculum College for Academic Phase is provided for those students in Cocke, Hamblen, Hawkins, Unicoi and Washington County. Trips to area colleges of interest are provided for all UB students and vary in locale from year to year.  
In addition to academic excellence, UB has a strong cultural enrichment component. Students may attend a concert of classical music, watch a Broadway play, see a dance performance, or experience an opportunity to practice important life skills in other unique venues. We stress that our students also give back to their community, promoting service learning and empathy for others. Students are able to gain volunteer hours through special classes and events, as well as a yearly group project sponsoring a local charity or non-profit group.  
The hallmark of our Upward Bound program is our six-week summer phase.  During the summer, students live on campus at Tusculum College in the residence halls, taking five weeks of courses that simulate the college experience.  Classes are scheduled from 9:00 to 3:00, with a special component for upper classmen.  Seniors and recent graduates have the opportunity to participate in vocational internships. This experience not only allows a unique opportunity to learn about a career field, but provides excellent resume listing as well as a monetary stipend. Recent graduates are also given a chance to partake in a Tusculum College class in which they may earn 4 college credits in the humanities or sciences.  There are a variety of cultural and recreational activities planned each afternoon and evening such as: Barter Theater, Dixie Stampede, Wetlands Water Park, bowling, karaoke night, and many others.
Another aspect of the program that students really enjoy is the annual summer cultural/educational trip that we take in the sixth week of the summer program.  On this trip, we expose students to places they have never been or are not likely to see.  Previous trips have included New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, Charleston and Cincinnati.
One of the most frequently asked questions about Upward Bound is the cost of the program. If a student is selected for Upward Bound there is no charge to the student or their family. Activities, classes, food and entertainment are included and paid for by grant funding.  In return, students are asked to be faithful in their commitment to UB, exerting effort, energy and their time. Our goal is for each of our students to become bright, successful, potential-college students.
If you are interested in becoming part of Tusculum College Upward Bound, the first thing you need to do is apply. To request an application, call our office at 1-800-729-0256, ext. 5325 (for more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions). 
What do you have to lose?  Contact us now! Click here to find out more about the Upward Bound staff!