Catonsville Upward Bound

Upward Bound at CCBC Catonsville is a year-round academic and personal enrichment program for high school students.

It consists of an intensive six-week residential summer session and a fall/spring preparatory curriculum. During the summer session students live in a residence hall on the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) campus, enroll in college preparatory classes — including hands on science laboratories and participate in educational, cultural, and other youth development activities.

In the fall and spring students receive tutoring and academic support in English, math, science, American government, and world history. Graduating seniors also complete a senior seminar.

Eligibility

Catonsville Upward Bound currently serves 9th through 12th grade male and female high school students from select Baltimore County Public Schools. These students are the first generation in their family to go to college and/or meet certain income requirements. We generally admit students in grade 9 or 10.

Schools We Recruit From:
  • Lansdowne High School
  • Milford Mill Academy
  • Once selected, Upward Bound staff track the students’ progress and document their achievements.

The academic year

The academic year curriculum consists of tutorials, workshops, counseling, and other support services. Upward Bound counselors work with each student to develop and implement an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) according to the student's needs, potential, interests, and goals.

Students receive academic support through complementary activities designed to enhance their high school courses. Students attend workshops and counseling sessions that cover decision making, study skills, career planning, choosing a college major, financial aid and life skills.

The summer bridge program

During the summer after high school graduation, upward bound students have the option to participate in the summer bridge program. Students receive free tuition and books for one math and one English course at CCBC Catonsville. Students can earn up to six hours of college credit toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.