Upward Bound is back at Highland Community College and ready to partner with students, and their families. The Upward Bound program helps eligible students prepare for college while attending Freeport High School.
A TRIO program funded by the Department of Education, Upward Bound helps students overcome class, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. Upward Bound was created in 1965 and now serves approximately 53,000 students in 722 Upward Bound projects nationwide.
Sarah Leif is the new Upward Bound Coordinator at Highland Community College. Sarah Leif is a previous undergraduate from Highland Community College and Northern Illinois University. She is excited to recruit students for the program and work with the Freeport School District.
Anthony Sago is the Upward Bound director and has spent 13 years with the TRIO program at Highland Community College.
“Having the TRIO Upward Bound program returning for the new grant cycle is a great accomplishment for Highland Community College and the community,” said Anthony Sago, Director of Student Support Services. “The success of our program will be directly connected to the support we receive not only from Highland Community College but also from our partner school, students and their families. We’re looking forward to serving students in our area, and helping them reach their educational goal of obtaining a college degree.”
Upward Bound helps students move through the possibility of college during high school. Upward Bound invests in the student’s futures with programs such as:
- Academic advising
- Academic coaching
- College visits and information
- Cultural enrichment
- Assistance with financial aid and scholarships
- SAT preparation
- Summer academic classes
- Career internships and community involvement
- Leadership training
The pre-college Upward Bound program is recruiting student members who have a strong desire to be the first in their family to earn a Bachelor’s degree. Potential members are enrolled in grades 9, 10 or 11 from Freeport High School. Most members continue with the program throughout high school.
Upward Bound provides support, motivation and college preparation experience to 60 high school students from the Freeport School District. To be eligible, parents or guardians at the student’s residence cannot have a four-year college degree. Income levels may also be considered. Upward Bound is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. There is no cost to become a member. For more information or to obtain an application, please email sarah.leif@highland.edu or call 815-599-3588.