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TRiO Upward Bound
Upward Bound What is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a free, year round college preparatory program for high school students. It is 100% grant funded by the federal government. The goal of the program is to prepare low income, first generation college bound students for success in postsecondary education. Students attending target schools in Irving ISD must qualify in order to be selected. Once selected, students remain in the program until their graduation from high school and completion of their first summer semester at North Lake College.

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

  • Entering 9th or 10th grades and attend The Academy of Irving ISD, Irving High School, MacArthur High School, & Nimitiz High School
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a Permanent Resident
  • Within income guidelines established by the Federal Government
  • First generation college student (neither parent has earned a degree from a four-year college or university)
  • Be at least 13 years old and no older than 19
  • Show an academic need (as determined by the Upward Bound Program)

How to apply: Print and complete the following documents.

Scholarship Directory
Calendar of Events
Become an Upward Bound Tutor
Photo Gallery
Summer Enrichment Program
Useful Links

Academic Year
The academic component of Upward Bound is held in conjunction with the regular academic school year. During this period students participate in a variety of educational and social activities. Students meet one on one with staff to develop instruction and counseling tailored to each student. Tutoring is held after school at each of the high schools, times vary. Students also meet one Saturday a month.

Academic/Career Development

  • Individual and group tutoring after school
  • College visits
  • Academic enrichment workshops(test taking strategies& study skills)
  • Career information
  • Standardized test preparation (TAKS, PSAT, SAT & ACT)
  • Academic counseling
  • Parent workshops (financial aid)
  • College application assistance

 Personal/Social Development

  • Social and cultural activities (field trips and volunteer opportunities)
  • Personal effectiveness workshops (time management and study habits)
  • Leadership development

Bridge Program
The “bridge” program for graduating seniors is designed to assist them in transitioning from high school to college. The bridge program allows students to complete 6 college credit courses.

What is expected by Upward Bound?
Students selected to participate in the program are expected to attend all sessions and work to the best of their abilities to prepare for college. We expect parents to familiarize themselves with our goals and work with us to help their children achieve. A Parent Association will meet monthly during the academic year and will support Upward Bound goals. Parents and Guardians are strongly encouraged to participate.

Upward Bound Staff
Guy Melton - Director, gmelton@dcccd.edu
Charlotte Brown - Student Services Specialist, cbrown@dcccd.edu
Lorilyn Hester – Department Assistant, lhester@dcccd.edu

For additional information about the Upward Bound Program, please contact:

TRiO Upward Bound
North Lake College
5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. H-301
Irving, TX 75038
972-273-3375

All services are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Educational opportunities are offered by the Dallas County Community College District without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, gender or disability.