If you’re a high school student looking to get ahead on your college path—especially if you’re a first-generation college-goer or from a low-income household—Upward Bound at GateWay is a powerful opportunity. Upward Bound is part of the federal TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and GateWay has been running its program since 1999.
GateWay partners with two Phoenix high schools—Camelback High School and North High School—and serves motivated students who want the extra support needed to get into college.
What You Get Out of Upward Bound
When you join Upward Bound, you’re not just signing up for tutoring—you’re getting a full suite of resources to help you succeed. Here’s what’s included:
- Personalized academic advisement—an advisor works with you to build a plan for success in high school and beyond.
- After-school tutoring and enrichment twice a week—extra support in core subjects so you don’t fall behind.
- Workshops for career exploration, college readiness, and enrichment—to help you envision what’s possible and prepare for it.
- Help with college entrance and exams—including prep for SAT/ACT, guidance on application requirements, and support navigating financial aid and scholarships.
- Summer program on GateWay’s campus—during the summer you can take classes in math (up to calculus), science (up to physics), English, foreign language—basically get a taste of real college coursework.
- Cultural, social, and career-focused field trips—college visits, cultural events, workshops—giving you exposure beyond your community and helping you build networks.
- Financial support (stipends)—students may receive monthly stipends during the academic year and extra stipend during summer participation if they meet attendance and performance requirements.
And the best part? The program is free for eligible students.
Who Can Join — Does It Fit You?
Upward Bound is open to students who meet certain criteria. To qualify at GateWay, you typically must:
- Attend either Camelback or North High School (and be recruited as a freshman or sophomore).
- Be a first-generation college student (meaning neither parent has a four-year degree) or come from a low-income household (as defined by federal standards).
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and between ages 13–19.
- Be willing to put in effort — the program is for students who need academic support but also show potential and motivation to succeed in college.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, Upward Bound can be a game-changer.
Why Upward Bound Matters: More Than Just Classes
Getting good grades in high school is important, but college readiness requires more than GPAs. Upward Bound helps build the skills, confidence, resources, and mindset needed to succeed in college and beyond. Students get exposure to college-level coursework, learn about financial aid and scholarships, explore career paths, build communication and interpersonal skills, and often get a supportive community that believes in them.
For many first-generation or low-income students, that kind of support—academic, financial, social—makes a huge difference. Upward Bound can open doors to colleges and opportunities that might have felt out of reach.
Thinking About It? Here’s What You Should Do
If you attend Camelback or North High School and think Upward Bound might be for you:
- Reach out to your school counselor or contact the Upward Bound office at GateWay.
- Be ready to share a bit about your family background (income status, whether you’re first-generation), your motivation for college, and your academic history.
- Commit to showing up (tutoring, after-school work, summer sessions) to take full advantage of the support and resources.
- Use this as a launchpad: Upward Bound can help you prepare for standard tests, applications, financial aid, and set up a plan that gives you a real shot at college success.
Final Thought
Programs like Upward Bound exist because not everyone starts high school with the same privileges or support system—but with hard work, guidance, and a community that believes in you, you can get to college. If Upward Bound at GateWay sounds like it fits you, take the leap. It could make the difference between wondering “what if?” and confidently stepping into college with a plan and support.
Learn more at https://www.gatewaycc.edu/upward-bound.