Giving

                  Upward Bound Students                  Opportunities

What makes the Upward Bound program important?

• 85% of adults in the target area do not have bachelor’s degrees.
• 60% of target school students are required to have remediation in college.
• The average high school counselor to student ratio is 1 to 330 in our target schools.
• The target area has an average per capita income that is almost 40% less than the US average.
• Graduation rates for US colleges and universities have been on the decline.
• College students with first generation and low income families are among the least likely to graduate.

(Reference:  the Upward Bound 2007-12 Grant and the Council Journal May 2000)

Why is college important?

• More Job Choices Education expands the opportunities of job choices as well as the possibilities to get and keep a preferred job. Unemployment rates are 8% lower for college graduates.
• More Money College graduates earn on average more than $1 million more over a lifetime than a person without a college degree.
• Learning Opportunities College provides experience and awareness that lasts all through life –  both on and off the job – and a college graduate is more likely to give back more to the community.  The typical college graduate would pay back their community over half a million dollars more in taxes than the average high school graduate.
• Expand your World College offers the opportunities to see and understand the world in a new way – through meeting new and diverse people, allowing for varied social situations and the chance to become autonomous, self-reliant and informed.
• Career Preparation College offers a wealth of information, skills, knowledge and resources needed to prepare for a specific career.
• Achieve Goals Graduating with a college degree is a great tool and foundation for allowing people to follow dreams.

(Reference:  the College Board)

If the above statistics help to convince you of the benefits of obtaining a college education for deserving students, please consider donating to the ASU-Upward Bound Program.

Upward Bound accepts monetary, supply and service donations from individuals and businesses.  All donations are tax-deductible as UB is a non-profit educational institution. Your donations can provide scholarships for college freshman to continue college after successfully completing the 6-week bridge summer program or help them to buy books and supplies, which UB cannot provide.  Please help Upward Bound provide opportunities for deserving students who are low income and/or the first in their family to obtain their dreams of a college education.  Our students need YOUR help!

• Monetary donations
• Transportation
• School supplies & books
• College admissions application fees
• Activity fees
• Volunteers for instructional and tutorial services

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How does Upward Bound help students get to college?

Upward Bound operates 12 months a year.  Throughout the academic/school year, UB provides tutoring and classroom assistance to students in addition to academic advising. During the summer, UB hosts a six-week residential program on the campus of ASU.  UB students take courses in subjects that will prepare them for the upcoming school year and for college entrance exams.  Students learn so much from being in the college environment and being mentored by students already attending and succeeding in college.  UB also guides students in college and career exploration and assistance in completing all the necessary paperwork for college.

ASU Upward Bound assists 95 students annually who are disadvantaged or first generation college students to prepare for and succeed in college, serving twelve Arkansas target schools.  UB remains a resource and advocate for UB alumni once they have graduated high school and we are always available to assist in their college success.

Giving Opportunities -- Making a Difference!

Your donations play a vital role in the education of our students – it is an investment in our future! UB relies on gifts from alumni, parents, and friends to make up the difference between tuition and the actual cost of educating students. Each and every gift - no matter how large or small - is important.   You make the difference!  If you desire to donate, please make monetary donations payable to the ASU Upward Bound Foundation Account.  Donations may be mailed to the address below:

For tax purposes, we will provide you with a receipt for your donation.  If you have questions or wish to discuss your donation, please call us at (870) 972-2575 or e-mail us at stafford@astate.edu. 

 Thank you for your support!  It makes all the difference!