The Upward Bound Program Summer Component is an extension of the Academic Year and offers participants the opportunity to further receive academic enrichment in preparation for the upcoming school year as well as get a glimpse of what college life is like. Participants live and study on the UT Arlington campus for 6 weeks beginning in June.

Academics
In the morning, students take academic courses in Literature, Composition, Foreign Language (changes every summer), Math, Science, and Science Lab. For Math and Science, students are placed in the math and science course which they will be taking at their high school the following school year. This gives them an opportunity to get a head start on their classmates.

In the afternoon, students take elective courses in various disciplines. Past examples have included Video Production, Theatre Production, Music, Drawing, Technology Applications, Journalism, Sign Language, Photography, Origami, and various others. Course offerings change every summer to offer the students an opportunity to receive new experiences.

On Friday mornings, students take Workshops which allow them to grow personally, socially, and professionally. Workshops have included Leadership, Civics, Study Skills, Recreational Math, and various others.

Campus Life
Students live on campus in one of the university's residence halls. College students called Residential Advisors are hired to live with the students in the Residence Hall and to provide supervision, support, and mentoring for all students. Students learn the ins and outs of living on campus, taking part in residence hall activities as well as campus dining services. Upward Bound students have access to the university's libraries, gyms, and computer labs as if they were fulltime college students.

Summer Activities
Students also have the opportunity take part in various summer activities. Upward Bound students participate in community service throughout the summer. Past events have included Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Industries, Mission Arlington, and local retirement homes. Fun events organized by staff and Resident Advisors have included bowling, BBQs, Shakespeare in the Park, Capture the Flag, Fashion Show, Alley Cats, Movie Night and various other activities.