Upward Bound

Helping First-Generation Students Prepare for College Success

 

Upward Bound at State Fair Community College is a federally funded TRiO program that helps high school students prepare for college through academic support, college readiness activities, leadership development, and cultural enrichment.

SFCC proudly operates two Upward Bound programs that serve students at Camdenton High School, Eldon High School, and Smith-Cotton High School. Through these partnerships, Upward Bound helps students strengthen their academic skills, graduate from high school, and confidently pursue a college degree.

All Upward Bound services are provided free of charge to eligible participants.

 

Why Choose Upward Bound?

Upward Bound is designed to help students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in college.

Program participants benefit from:

  • Academic support throughout high school
  • College and university visits
  • ACT preparation
  • College admissions guidance
  • Financial aid and FAFSA assistance
  • Leadership and service opportunities
  • Summer academic experiences
  • Individualized advising and mentoring

The program has a strong track record of student success. Upward Bound participants consistently outperform state ACT averages, and many graduates continue their education at colleges and universities across the country.

 

Who Is Eligible?

Upward Bound serves students who demonstrate the potential and commitment to succeed in college.

To be eligible, students must meet federal program requirements, including:

  • Be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 at a participating high school
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Be a first-generation college student
  • Meet federal income guidelines
  • Be identified as academically at risk

A student is considered first generation if they do not reside with a natural or adoptive parent who has earned a bachelor's degree.

 

Throughout the school year, Upward Bound provides personalized support to help students prepare for college and achieve academic success.

Academic Advising

Students meet regularly with Upward Bound staff to:

  • Monitor grades and attendance
  • Plan high school coursework
  • Prepare for college
  • Set academic and personal goals

Participants also attend weekly advisement sessions covering topics such as study skills, college planning, resume writing, and ACT preparation.

College Visits

Students visit colleges and universities throughout Missouri and the Midwest to explore campuses, meet admissions representatives, learn about financial aid, and experience college life firsthand.

Whenever possible, seniors may request visits to colleges they are considering attending.

ACT Preparation

The program provides comprehensive ACT preparation, including:

  • Registration for up to four ACT exams
  • ACT workshops
  • Practice opportunities
  • Preparation through Cambridge Educational Services

These resources help students improve their scores and strengthen college admission opportunities.

Tutoring and Academic Support

Students needing additional academic support receive tutoring through peer mentors or qualified tutors.

Tutoring is available for students who:

  • Earn a grade of C or below in a core subject
  • Want additional academic support to improve classroom performance

College Admissions Assistance

Upward Bound staff assist students with every step of the college application process, including:

  • College applications
  • Admission essays
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Application fee waivers, when available

If an application fee waiver cannot be obtained, the program may cover the application cost for eligible students.

Financial Aid and Financial Literacy

Students receive guidance on:

  • Completing the FAFSA
  • Understanding financial aid
  • Scholarships
  • Budgeting and money management
  • Student loans and repayment

These workshops help students and families make informed decisions about paying for college.

Leadership, Service, and Cultural Experiences

Participants have opportunities to grow beyond the classroom through:

  • Community service projects
  • Leadership development
  • Museum visits
  • Cultural experiences
  • Industry tours
  • Student conferences

These experiences help students develop leadership skills while exploring new educational and career opportunities.

Each summer, Upward Bound participants attend the Summer Academic Academy on SFCC's Sedalia campus.

Students live in the residence halls while participating in college-style coursework and activities designed to strengthen academic skills and prepare for college life.

Courses may include:

  • Mathematics
  • Literature and Composition
  • Laboratory Science
  • Foreign Language and Culture
  • Computer Technology
  • Study Skills
  • Studio Art
  • Theatre
  • Physical Education and Wellness

Students also participate in college visits, cultural experiences, and educational travel opportunities throughout the summer.

For many participants, the Summer Academic Academy offers their first experience living on a college campus.

SFCC operates two Upward Bound programs:

Lake of the Ozarks Upward Bound

Serving students from:

  • Camdenton High School
  • Eldon High School

The program is headquartered at the SFCC-Lake of the Ozarks campus with offices located in both participating high schools.

Sedalia Upward Bound

Serving students from:

  • Smith-Cotton High School

The Sedalia program is based at Smith-Cotton High School.

Recruitment for Upward Bound takes place each fall at participating high schools.

The application process includes:

  1. Attend a recruitment presentation.
  2. Complete the program application.
  3. Submit required essays and academic information.
  4. Provide family income documentation.
  5. Participate in an interview with Upward Bound staff.

Applicants are evaluated based on eligibility, academic need, interest in the program, and interview results.

Students accepted into the program attend an orientation with a parent or guardian before beginning participation.

 

Invest in Your Future

If you're a student at one of our participating high schools and dream of attending college, Upward Bound can help you get there.

From academic support and ACT preparation to college visits and financial aid guidance, Upward Bound provides the tools, encouragement, and experiences needed to prepare for college success.

Smith-Cotton High School
2010 Tiger Pride Blvd., Sedalia, MO 65301
 lcreach@sfccmo.edu
 (660) 851-5379

Jeromy Layman
Director, Upward Bound
 jlayman@sfccmo.edu
 (573) 821-3866