IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, applications for the program CANNOT be obtained or turned in at our Upward Bound office (at the IVC campus, building 2400). They MUST be submitted via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Due to current technical issues with the phone systems, you can also contact us at this alternate number:  Director, Luis Torres (760) 457-7523

Program Information

The Upward Bound Program provides educational support to high school students in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for students to succeed in high school and ultimately in higher education. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. All program activities and services are FREE of charge to qualifying students. The after school and weekend activities will be offered online to increase the safety of our students and staff. Upward Bound counselors and tutors will provide fun and engaging virtual services to meet the academic needs of all students.

 Program Services

-Online Academic Tutoring Services 

-Online Counseling Services: Academic and Personal 

-Educational and Online Cultural Events 

-Mentoring and Career Exploration Services 

-Advice and Assistance in High School and College Course Selection Services 

-Preparation for College Entrance Exams 

-College admission applications and financial aid assistance. 

-Guidance on Entry into College  

-Services for students who are Limited English Proficient, disabled, experiencing homelessness or in foster care 

-Virtual Summer Academy (6 weeks) 

-Virtual Summer Bridge at IVC: College Credits (6 weeks)   

-Stipends and other incentives for active participation in program services 

-Computer training for distance learning 

-Computer equipment (if necessary)

Eligibility

Recruitment for the 2020-2021 academic year has commenced. We are currently looking to fill vacancies left by graduating Seniors. The program will be recruiting from the following high schools for the vacancies: Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Central, Holtville, Imperial and Southwest.

· All students must either be from low-income families or be potential first-generation college students.
· Eligible student must have completed the 8th grade but not the 9th grade.
· The program requires that at least two-thirds of the students in a project must be both low-income and first-generation college students.
· The remaining third of the students must either be low-income or first-generation college students.
· Each applicant will take part in a group interview, followed by a parent/guardian and student interview.
· Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
· They must be a student at one of the schools the program services: Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Central, Holtville, Imperial or Southwest.

PROGRAM Application:

Upward Bound Classic Application (PDF)

Upward Bound Math & Science Application (PDF)

Upward Bound Waiting List Application

Upward Bound Waiting List Application (Spanish)

If submitting by e-mail, please save the application to you computer. Once completed, e-mail the application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

*The website materials were compiled through a grant from the U.S Department of Education. However, the Department has not reviewed the contents and no endorsement should be inferred.

The Upward Bound Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, and sponsored by the Imperial Valley College.