Grades 9-12 CSF-DC Upward Bound
The CSF-DC Upward Bound (UB) Program is a federally funded TRIO college preparatory program for students enrolled at Cesar Chavez–Parkside and Friendship Tech Prep. The program provides academic support services for income-eligible students as well as potential first-generation college students.
The program, similarly structured to the CSF-DC Scholars Program, is designed to provide students with the motivation and skills needed to successfully transition from high school to college and graduate with their college degrees. All CSF-DC Upward Bound program activities and services are free of charge and exclusive to students at these two schools.
The Upward Bound program is available to high school students (grades 9-12) enrolled at one of the following schools in the District of Columbia:
- Cesar Chavez – Parkside
- Friendship Tech Prep Academy
*2023-24: The Upward Bound program will recruit students in grades 9 and 10.
Additional eligibility requirements include the following:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Must be from a family that meets the federal TRIO program income level, as determined by the Department of Education; and/or
- Must be a first-generation college student (neither parent has completed a four-year college degree)
What services does Upward Bound offer?
- Tutoring services
- College tours
- Cultural enrichment activities and field trips
- College prep workshops
- Academic and career advising
- Financial aid workshops and scholarship research assistance
- Opportunities to earn free college credit prior to attending college
- Transportation to and from activities
- Service learning opportunities
- Parent workshops
Who should apply to Upward Bound?
Commitment to the program extends through high school. During this time, Upward Bound staff will work with students individually and in small groups to address their needs, develop their academic potential, and identify and meet realistic goals.
An ideal UB student strives to:
- Take appropriate college prep courses each semester
- Participate in after-school tutoring, Saturday Academy, the CSF-DC Summer Academic Enrichment Program, and other UB activities and events