Services Offered Academic Year (September-May)

College Visits

Students participate in campus experiences at area colleges and universities. These experiences often include campus tours, admissions presentations, financial aid presentations, current student panels, meetings with professors, and more. Upward Bound staff will do their best to accommodate student requests for visits to specific campuses during senior year.

Cultural Activities and Trips

Cultural awareness field trips are usually tied in with a college visit. These trips give students a glimpse of opportunities available to them in college. Trips include student leadership conferences, museum tours, aquariums and zoos, tours of various industries, and more.

ACT Preparation

Students have the opportunity to take the ACT four times (twice during the student’s junior year and twice during senior year). The program pays for these tests. Students can also attend a two-day ACT workshop proven to raise scores, taught by Smith-Cotton staff and paid for by the program. Upward Bound also partners with Cambridge Educational Services to provide comprehensive ACT prep as part of the program’s advisement curriculum.

Supplemental Instruction

Students who achieve a grade of C (74 percent) or lower in any core class during a quarter are required to take part in a peer-led tutoring program partnering the participant with a student who has successfully completed the course. If needed, arrangements can be made to find a suitable outside tutor, based on availability. This service is also made available to any student wishing to do better in a class, but is based on availability of peer tutors.

Service Learning Projects

Our community-based volunteer projects are geared toward student interest and are often created by the students themselves throughout the year. Our staff assists students in finding new ways to work with community partners, such as Open Door, Boys and Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and more.

Assistance with College Admission

Students can make appointments with our staff to go over admission requirements, fill out applications, write essays, get letters of recommendation, or complete any other college admission requirements from any college or university of their choosing. The staff can also request application fee waivers on behalf of the student at any college or university to which they’re applying. If the application fee cannot be waived, the program will cover the expense on behalf of the student.

Financial Aid Workshop

Students can work closely with financial aid staff at SFCC to better understand the intricacies of college/university financial aid processes. Students also have the opportunity to meet with an SFCC representative and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Literacy Workshop

Students can participate in a workshop explaining personal income and expenses, credit scores, principles of lending, and student loan repayment. Students will learn skills and tools to improve their money management acumen and prepare for postsecondary education financial planning.

Academic Advising

Students can set appointments with staff to monitor academic progress, check grades, track attendance and monitor progress toward graduation. If a student is not meeting program criteria or is considered “at risk,” the staff can set appointments at their discretion. Students also meet with staff to enroll in classes for the next year and receive guidance for college preparatory work. Students also participate in a weekly advisement class, which allows staff to convey upcoming deadlines, facilitate ACT preparation, study and research skills, tutorials on resume building, and more.

Summer (June-August)

Summer Academic Academy

While living in the SFCC residence hall over the summer, students have the opportunity to attend a variety of classes:

  • Math
  • Literature and Composition
  • Foreign Language and Culture
  • Laboratory Science
  • Computer Technology
  • Weight Training
  • Aerobics
  • Study Skills
  • Studio Art
  • Theatre

Academic support is offered to help students succeed in classes. After successfully completing the summer component, participants may receive one elective credit and one half of a Physical Education credit at Smith-Cotton High School, as well as the opportunity to enjoy an out-of-state cultural reward trip that includes college visits, museum tours and more.

Toll Free (877) 311-7322

Leave Ready!

State Fair Community College provides relevant and responsive learning experiences that empower our students and communities to prosper.

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