Upward Bound (TRIO)
Upward Bound is one of the federal TRIO programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education, designed to help high school students from low-income families and those who would be the first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree prepare for postsecondary education. Rather than providing direct financial awards to students, the program funds colleges and nonprofit organizations to deliver a structured range of support services, including tutoring, academic advising, assistance with college applications, and guidance through the financial aid process.
Participation in a local Upward Bound project is offered at no cost to eligible students and their families. The services are provided through institutions that have received federal grants to operate their own projects, and eligibility is determined by income thresholds and first-generation college student status. Because individual projects are managed at the institutional level, availability, program structure, and application timelines vary by location. Students and families should contact colleges and nonprofits in their area directly to learn whether a project is active and accepting participants.
Upward Bound serves a defined, income-eligible population and is not universally available on request. Admission to a local project is selective, and participation depends on meeting the program's criteria as well as the capacity of the sponsoring institution. Any organization asking for a fee to enroll a student in an Upward Bound program or to secure access to TRIO services should be treated as a serious red flag. Families seeking these services should work only through institutions that can be verified through official federal channels.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: U.S. Department of Education — Upward Bound (Federal TRIO). This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for upward bound (trio)?
High school students from low-income families and students who would be first-generation college graduates who need academic support to prepare for college. Open to women and men alike..
Does upward bound (trio) have to be repaid?
This is free services (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for upward bound (trio)?
Find a local Upward Bound project at a participating college or nonprofit; learn more at ed.gov.
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