South Plains College Upward Bound (SPC UB) is a FREE academic and college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the SPC UB program is to develop the skills and motivation necessary for students to successfully complete high school and to enter and succeed in college. SPC Upward Bound serves 9th-12th students who attend Brownfield, Levelland, Littlefield, Morton, Smyer, Sundown, and Whiteface High schools. Participants received fundamental support in their preparation for college entrance through academic, personal, and cultural enrichment.

SERVICES

• Academic and Career Advising
• ACT/SAT Prep.
• Leadership Involvement
• Soft Skills
• Resume and Cover Letter Assistance
• Paid Internships
• Tutoring
• Goal Setting
• Individualized College Prep & Reading Programs
• Test Taking & Study Skills
• Scholarship & Financial Aid assistance
• 5 Week College Residence Hall Experience
• College & University Tours
• Time Management Skills
• Elective Courses (ex. Guitar, Photojournalism, Fitness, Robotics)
• Cultural Trips & Activities

ACADEMIC YEAR ACTIVITIES

In school meetings: Program assistant director and academic coordinator visit each target school (monthly/weekly) and conduct advising sessions with students. During these sessions students discuss their academic progress, career interests, extracurricular activity involvement.

Saturday Academies: On one Saturday each month for nine (9) months of the academic year, students meet at the SPC campus for enrichment classes covering a variety of college prep topics and provide students with the academic tools and social skills to ensure success at the postsecondary level. Students will also have access to tutoring services in all core subjects as well as specialized tutoring for the ACT/SAT and TSIA-2 exams. Academic Saturdays may also include field trips to postsecondary institutions and educational activities related to STEM subject areas. Students are given an Academic Saturday schedule at the beginning of each academic year.

SUMMER RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

The summer academy is a 5-week residential program on the SPC campus available to Upward Bound students. Activities and services provided include but are not limited to:

•  In-class instruction to prepare students for the upcoming school year.
•  Participation in academic and personal growth activities.
• College tours and educational/cultural enrichment field trips.
• Career and college major exploration.
• Student leadership opportunities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible, students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Citizen or national of the U.S., permanent resident, or provide evidence of intent to become a permanent resident.
• Potential first-generation college students (neither parent have received a 4-year Bachelor degree)
• Demonstrate the need for academic support.
• Parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet the federal TRIO program income guidelines, as determined by the Department of Education.

Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels (Effective January 19, 2023, until further notice)
Size of Family	Unit 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions(taxable income-line 15 on form 1040)	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$21,870	$27,315	$25,155
2	$29,580	$36,960	$34,020
3	$37,290	$46,605	$42,885
4	$45,000	$56,250	$51,750
5	$52,710	$65,895	$60,615
6	$60,420	$75,540	$69,480
7	$68,130	$85,185	$78,345
8	$75,840	$94,830	$87,210
For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $7,710 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and outlying jurisdictions; $9,645 for Alaska; and $8,865 for Hawaii. The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount. The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register on January 19, 2023, and are effective as of January 19, 2023.

 

Interested applicants need to contact the Upward Bound office for admissions deadline information. Applicants must be in 8th or 9th grade.

 

MAILING ADDRESS

   Upward Bound South Plains College  | 1401 College Avenue, Box 180  |  Levelland, TX 79336