What is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a year-round, college readiness program funded by the Department of Education and sponsored by Fitchburg State University since 1989. The program stresses academic development, serving high school students in Fitchburg and Leominster for the duration of their high school career and beyond. Eligibility is based on first generation college status, family income, and academic motivation.
Upward Bound’s school year program provides academic support for students through tutoring services, educational and college preparatory workshops, and cultural field trips. Program participants have access to many of the college’s resources and facilities.
Every Summer, Upward Bound students take part in a 5-week residential program. Students live on campus Monday through Friday at Fitchburg State University and take academic courses to better prepare them for college. In addition, students attend academic enrichment courses, volunteer at community work sites, and participate in a variety of recreational and cultural activities.
Application for admission is available online, with additional documentation required. For more information, students can contact their school guidance counselor or the Upward Bound program at Fitchburg State University (978.665.3439). The Upward Bound staff are happy to meet students and their parent/guardian at school, a community location, or Fitchburg State University.
Summer Residential Program - June 29 - July 31, 2025
During the Summer, Upward Bound students are encouraged to take part in a 5-week residential program. Students live on campus (Monday through Friday) at Fitchburg State University and engage in preparing for college. Students attend academic enrichment courses, volunteer at CSL Internship sites, and participate in a variety of recreational activities.
- TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025: (4-5:30 p.m.): MANDATORY SUMMER MEETING
- SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025 (6-8 p.m.): STUDENT MOVE-IN
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30 (Day one) AM Academics Project Groups |
July 1 |
July 2 AM Academics Project Groups 4 p.m. Dismissal |
July 3 Program Closed Yearbook photo and bio check-in |
July 4 Program Closed |
| July 7 7:30 a.m. check-in AM Academics Project Groups |
July 8 AM Academics Project Groups |
July 9 AM Academics Project Groups |
July 10 AM Academics Project Groups Special Event - TBD |
July 11 |
| July 14 7:30 a.m. Check-in AM Academics Project Groups |
July 15 AM Academics Project Groups |
July 16 AM Academics Project Groups |
July 17 AM Academics Project Groups Special Event TBD |
July 18 UB/UBMS Day of Caring 5 p.m. Dismissal |
| July 21 7:30 a.m. Check-in AM Academics Project Groups |
July 22 AM Academics Project Groups |
July 23 AM Academics Project Groups |
July 24 AM Academics Project Groups Student Celebration |
July 25 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Awards Banquet 1 p.m. Move out |
| July 28 4 p.m. Check-in 4-8 p.m. Family Fun Night |
July 29 |
July 30 Field Trip TBD |
July 31 10 a.m. Brunch 12 p.m. Dismissal |
August 1 Digital Evaluation |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Summer Academy
Participants of the Summer Academy are assigned to a single dorm room (their own room). Every student will have their own bed, desk, closet, and bureau – please bring your own bedding (full sheets) and bathroom linens (towels). Four students will share a common area and community bathroom.
Every student is issued a Fitchburg State University One-Card that allows them to access to Holmes Dining Hall (all-you-can-eat cafeteria) during scheduled meal times.
Although there are exceptions to every rule (contact program staff for more information), Upward Bound Summer Academy is designed with the understanding that participants will be residential for the full Summer schedule. (UB is still responsible to Fitchburg State for dorm/food charges even when a student is not present/non-residential.) Priority is given to students that can commit to the full summer.
The Upward Bound Summer Academy is completely free to students who apply and are accepted to Upward Bound. Priority is given to students who are potentially first-generation college and/or come from limited income families. Please contact Upward Bound for additional information and an application.
Admission
The Fitchburg State Upward Bound program serves students from Fitchburg High School and Leominster High School.
Admission to the Upward Bound Program is on a rolling basis, dependent on openings. For more information, students can contact their school guidance counselor or the Upward Bound Program at Fitchburg State University by phone at 978.665.3439 or email upwardbound@fitchburgstate.edu.
To request additional information, please complete our contact form.
Application Information
How to Apply
Upward Bound serves high school students from Fitchburg and Leominster that are: from limited-income families; and/ or from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.
For more information and an application, contact your school guidance counselor and/or the Upward Bound office at Fitchburg State University.
Complete a Teacher Recommendation Form
Upward Bound is always sharing our programming on social media! Follow us to find out more:
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Fitchburg State Upward Bound is a TRIO program made possible by a grant from the Federal Department of Education.
Learn more about TRIO programs on the Council for Opportunity in Education website.
Learn more about the Fitchburg State (TRIO) Upward Bound Math and Science program.
Learn more about the Fitchburg State TRIO Student Support Services program.
