Academic Programs

Academic Year

The academic year begins soon after school starts each year and concludes at the end of April. Academic coaching is made available through early June for exam preparation. During the academic year, students receive the following services:

• Academic coaching twice a week in addition to individually scheduled tutoring
• Advising
• College visitations
• Social and cultural activities
• Senior Seminar
• Special sessions (once a month on Friday or Saturday)

SPECIAL SESSIONS

A monthly workshop in which topics of student interest and skill development are addressed.

SENIOR SEMINAR

This weekly class is exclusively for 12th grade students. During the class, students:

• Complete college applications
• Apply for financial aid and scholarships
• Register for admission exams such as ACT and SAT
• Utilize college resources
• Prepare for the transition to college

Summer Program

Upward Bound participants attend a six-week Summer Session Program, from mid-June to the end of July, during which they acquire personal and academic skills that include:

• College and residential life and skill development with an emphasis on math, English, science and a foreign language
• Social and cultural competence skill development
• College exploration through campus visits
• A.C.E. (Access to Career Experience and Exploration)
• Bridge Program (college-level courses)

A.C.E Program

The Access to Career Experience and Exploration Program provides students the opportunity to learn about: 

• The realities and requirements of careers and professions
• Personal, employment and academic skills

The Bridge Program

The Bridge Program is exclusively for students who have just received their high school diploma and met senior-year expectations. Participants will:

• Take college courses at Hope College
• Receive up to 4 credit hours transferable to a college or university
• Save over $3,500 in tuition, room and board
• Experience independence and learn responsibility