Helping to Build Hope..For Their Future

by Khaliah Smitherman




The University of Montevallo's Upward Bound Program is federally funded and provides academic support, counseling, tutorial services, career mentoring, vutlural exposure, and community service opportunities for students in need.

These students start in 8th or 9th grade, and continue within the program until their college graduation.  These students come from Bibb, Chilton, and Shelby Counties.

According to Upward bound Director Sharon Gilbert, Upward Bound is one of the University's best kept secrets. However, she wants more people to be infromed about the programs and the services they offer.

Upward Bound's Adam  tutoring a student

One service is tutoring. Upward Bound's Soar Tutoring assists students to excel in the classroom and make the journey to college more attainable.

With tutoring the students also get to attend ACT prep seminars. There is also a homework hotline available for students.

Upward Bound's Acadmemic Coordinator MaryJo Buff says, "their main goal is to get students through High School into College and then through College."

Because Upward Bound is a federally funded program, they depend on sponsorships and fundraisers to help provide scholarship money for students. They are currently having their annual Jubilant Jingles fundraiser.

Jubilant Jewels Christmas Tree

With this fundraiser individuals pay one dollar for their name to be entered into a drawing for a Christmas Tree.  For the winner,  the tree is already decorated.

The drawing for the winners will take place on December 8th.

For more information about Upward Bound please click here.