The Upward Bound (UB) Program at Worcester State University is designed to encourage eligible Worcester Public High School students to pursue post-secondary education after successfully completing high school work with a diploma or high school equivalency testing.
We primarily recruit 9th and 10th grade students from the Worcester Public Schools who demonstrate the motivation and desire to succeed and are interested in going to college. Included in this category first generation, low income and/or ALANA/BIPOC (African American, Latine American, Asian America, & Native American / Black, Indigenous, & People of Color).
The online information session will be available upon request. The online information session for Summer 2027 is held in November. Please email Sidnhy Cheng at scheng1@worcester.edu for further information regarding a student’s / your eligibility for the Upward Bound Program and/or the application process.
Summer participants attend academic enrichment courses in Writing, Science, Math, Problem Solving, Self-Awareness, and a Language or Arts course for five weeks. Students have the opportunity to improve their college awareness by visiting a variety of colleges and universities throughout New England and engaging in cultural excursions.
Our program consists of two components – summer residential academy and academic year workshops. Our services include college visits, college admission information sessions, financial aid assistance, career counseling, academic skill development, academic assistance, cultural enrichment activities, and self-awareness workshops.
During the academic year, students participate in workshops designed to improve and further build upon their academic skills and competencies. They participate in exercises designed to increase skills in problem solving, critical thinking, self-awareness, time management, interpersonal/intrapersonal communication skills, group dynamics, and much more. Workshops take place on Saturdays from 9:30am – 12:30pm. There are approximately 22 Saturday workshops throughout the academic year.
Upward Bound Summer 2027 Application is open. All application components are due December 30th, 2026.
The pdf file of the application is available by contacting Sidnhy Cheng via email scheng1@worcester.edu.
To learn more about the program, please contact Sidnhy Cheng via email scheng1@worcester.edu or call 508-929-8552.
