Who Qualifies for Upward Bound?
Students who are selected to participate in Upward Bound must meet the following criteria:
- In ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade at one of the participating schools
- At least thirteen years old and younger than eighteen at the beginning of the next Summer Residential Program
- Demonstrate the desire to complete a college degree
- Considered income eligible or a potential first generation college student
- An income eligible student is one whose family meets low-income criteria as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount (see chart for specific information).
- A potential first generation college student is someone whose parents have not received a bachelor's degree.
Selection is based on information obtained from a completed application, review of school records, guidance counselors, and teacher recommendations, and an interview.
Determining Economic Eligibility
To determine economic eligibility, we need to verify the family's income and financial need. We will ask for a copy of the family's 1040 tax form showing taxable income, a budget statement from the Department of Social Services or Social Security, or a letter from another appropriate agency. All financial information is kept strictly confidential and is used only to determine program eligibility.
Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
(Effective January 12,2022 until further notice)
| Size of Family Unit | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,385 | $25,485 | $23,445 |
| 2 | $27,465 | $34,335 | $31,590 |
| 3 | $34,545 | $43,185 | $39,735 |
| 4 | $41,625 | $52,035 | $47,880 |
| 5 | $48,705 | $60,885 | $56,025 |
| 6 | $55,785 | $69,735 | $64,170 |
| 7 | $62,865 | $78,585 | $72,315 |
| 8 | $69,945 | $87,435 | $80,460 |
For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $7,080 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $8,850 for Alaska; and $8,145 for Hawaii.
The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The 2020 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 12, 2022. Federal Register notice was published January 21, 2022.
