Upward Bound

Upward Bound exists to empower students with resources, skills, and support needed to accomplish their personal and academic goals.

What is Upward Bound?

San Diego State University Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded TRIO program that supports academic college readiness to low-income and first-generation high school students throughout the San Diego region. We provide transformative educational opportunities through our unique programs and services.

Advising

Saturday Sessions

Student Gallery

Summer Academy

We work with San Diego Unified School District, Grossmont Unified School District, and Sweetwater Union High School District. SDSU Upward Bound proudly serves nine schools to provide resources, support, guidance, and programming to help our students invest in their own academic success and pursue postsecondary education.

Castle Park High School

Chula Vista, CA

Mar Vista High School

Imperial Beach, CA

Southwest High School

San Diego, CA

Crawford High School

El Cerrito, San Diego, CA

Hoover High School

City Heights, San Diego, CA

San Diego High School

San Diego, CA

El Cajon Valley High School

El Cajon, CA

Morse High School

Skyline, San Diego, CA

Mount Miguel High School

Spring Valley, CA

If you attend one of our partner schools and qualify as a low-income and/or first-generation student looking to take the next step in your education, we encourage you to explore what SDSU Upward Bound has to offer. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.

See advisors at each campus >

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In Our Upward Bound Era

Navigating through 40+ years of student success at San Diego State University.

SDSU Upward Bound students taking a group photo

1983 - 2026Upward Bound Classic

Did You Know? Upward Bound has been helping students achieve their college dreams since the 1960s. Funded by the U.S. federal government, Upward Bound supports low-income and first-generation college students by providing guidance for college, careers, and life after high school. Since the 1980s, San Diego State University has proudly hosted an Upward Bound Classic program serving students in grades 9–12. Participants receive one-on-one support from an on-site advisor, explore career options, prepare for college admissions, and get help completing financial aid applications.

Students posing for a group photo during parade in Downtown San Diego

1999 - 2026Upward Bound STAR

A second Upward Bound STAR grant, allowed the SDSU Upward Bound program to expand its offerings to more schools and families. In addition to college and career information, students also attend workshops that build academic skills, confidence, and personal growth. During the Summer Academy, they experience life as college students by living in campus residence halls, exploring different cultures, and discovering the many academic and campus resources available to them. For decades, Upward Bound at SDSU has empowered students to dream big, prepare for college, and build brighter futures.

Students participating in a Marine Biology workshop

2000 - 2005Upward Bound Math-Science

At San Diego State University, the Upward Bound Program is made up of multiple federally funded grants that serve students with different areas of focus. In addition to the Upward Bound Classic and Upward Bound STAR grants, SDSU also received the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) grant, which provides specialized college preparation and academic support for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Although each grant has its own funding and program emphasis, together they operate as one unified Upward Bound Program at SDSU, working toward the shared mission of helping low-income and first-generation students prepare for success in college.

Student posing for a photo next to his Internship Mentor and research poster

2015 - PresentHCOP

SDSU was also awarded a Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) grant, which expanded the university's college access efforts by providing specialized support and opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions. Like the Upward Bound grants, HCOP operated as part of SDSU's broader commitment to increasing educational access for underserved students.

An advisor sits at his desk, staring and typing into his computer

06/20/2016SDSU ITE Launches Destination: College

SDSU ITE's Destination: College is a summer program designed to support college-bound students who will college in the Fall. While the participation to most Upward Bound programs ends upon graduation, the summer months are critical for students and "Summer Melt" occurs when they miss important deadlines, tasks or opportunities that are needed for their successful matriculation. During Destination: College, students receive weekly enrollment reminders and have access to an Advisor in case they have a quick question or need additional support.

Students posing for a group school photo in front of a STEAM Day backdrop

03/15/2019SDSU ITE STEAM Exploration Day

The City of San Diego proclaimed March 15th to officially be PCI SDSU STEM Exploration Day as presented by Council President Georgette Gómez and Councilmember Monica Montgomery. The event invited Upward Bound high school students from our partner schools in the San Diego region to be exposed not only to a college campus, but a plethora of workshops and activities from our SDSU faculty in the STEAM field: science, technology, arts, engineering, and mathematics. Upward continued to participate in SDSU ITE's STEAM Day for the following 4 years.

About Us

The Upward Bound program is 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you achieve your goals!

SDSU College of Education

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1103

619-594-6184
[email protected]

Ready to Enroll?

Join SDSU Upward Bound!

Upward Bound

What is Upward Bound?

Our Partner Schools

Ready to Enroll?

In Our Upward Bound Era

1983 - 2026Upward Bound Classic

1999 - 2026Upward Bound STAR

2000 - 2005Upward Bound Math-Science

2015 - PresentHCOP

06/20/2016SDSU ITE Launches Destination: College

03/15/2019SDSU ITE STEAM Exploration Day

About Us

Ready to Enroll?