The Upward Bound Program at the University of Texas at Arlington is federally funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amounts of $381,778 for the 2006-2007 academic year. The college preparatory program has provided services to area high school students since 1982. Potential candidates for Upward Bound must commit to preparing themselves for post-secondary education before being accepted into the program.

In return, Upward Bound provides its participants with a wide range of free services aimed at improving their academic skills and their motivation and determination to pursue a post-secondary education.

The program also requires that the student’s parents support the program by participating in the Parents’ Association.