About Upward Bound Math & Science

The Academic Year Program includes monthly Saturday Academies and ongoing projects, offering students the opportunity to earn stipends based on participation and performance throughout the school year. Each student is also paired with a mentor that meets at least 12 times to discuss items of interest to the student and provide guidance to the student on the selection and completion of the project.  

The program focuses on helping students develop both competence and character—building academic strength in math and science, while also encouraging personal growth as students, future adults, and professionals. Support may include tutoring, motivational discussions, and access to valuable academic and college resources. 

Additionally, students receive ACT preparation courses and materials to help them succeed on standardized tests and strengthen their college readiness. 

• Academic Year Student Handbook  
• Mentor Agreement Form
• Mentor's Report Form - October
• Mentor's Report Form - January
• Mentor's Report Form - April
• Mentor Fact Sheet
• Guidelines for Dialogue 

The Summer Residential Program is a six-week, on-campus experience at Northwest Missouri State University that immerses students in academics, college readiness, and STEM exploration. Participants live in a university residence hall and attend classes tailored to their academic needs and STEM interests, while also engaging in workshops, cultural activities, and hands-on learning opportunities.  

Students are exposed to team teaching and cooperative learning as they take part in hands-on activities. The teaching teams consist of a university instructor or an outstanding high school teacher from the 4-state region, assisted by university students acting as Teaching Assistants (TAs). In-class assistance is available from the instructor or from the TA.  

A highlight of the program is the enrichment trip, where students help select a destination that enhances their learning and broadens their exposure to new environments. This trip gives students the chance to experience life and learning outside their communities, deepening their understanding of the world and expanding their academic and personal growth. 

• List of Courses and Activities 
• Summer Handbook  
• Summer Forms Packet 

Counseling 

Northwest's UBMS devotes time to group and individual counseling. Group sessions are devoted to relationships, study skills development, career awareness or career testing, and personal development. Students also work on time-management, stress-management, decision-making and goal setting. Individual counseling sessions are "personalized" for each student, as necessary. 

The importance placed on the counseling phase of UBMS is reflected in the make-up of the central staff and the frequency of the scheduled counseling activities. 

Weekend Trips 

Each summer, UBMS offers weekend trips that combine cultural, educational, and recreational experiences. These excursions help students explore new environments, broaden their perspectives, and build community. Past destinations include museums, zoos, science centers, and college campuses across the Midwest. 

All expenses are covered by the program—students only bring money for souvenirs. 

A summer transition program for recent high school graduates who are enrolling in college and will take part in activities that will assist in their transition to college. The cost of the Bridge component is based on the tuition rate charged by Northwest, so UBMS must limit the number of students admitted into the UBMS Bridge component.

It takes place in the summer following the student's graduation from high school during the University's 4-week June summer session block. UBMS pays all expenses for the selected Bridge students to enroll in up to six credit hours of university classes. These credits may then be transferred to the college of the student's choice for the regular fall term. As with the regular UBMS program, there is no cost to the students or their families, except for the investment of time and energy.

To be eligible for Bridge, a student must attend two summer components, be a graduating senior, and be an active participant during the current school year (meeting with the Mentor, completing a UBMS Project and submitting required reports), and receive appropriate ratings from the RTs, TAs, and Teachers for the previous year.