General Information

This year the Beloit College Upward Bound program is focused on recruiting freshmen and juniors;  however, we will accept applications from highly motivated sophomores as well. During the fall semester of each school year, we visit Beloit Memorial and South Beloit High School to provide information about our program to any interested students. Students from other Beloit schools are also welcome to apply directly on our website.

Eligibility

There are two main criteria that determine initial eligibility for the Upward Bound program:

1. Students who will be first-generation college students
2. Students from a low-income family setting

A student is recognized as first-generation if his/her parents (or guardians) have not received a four-year degree or higher. A student that qualifies for free or reduced lunch is considered to be from a low-income family setting.

Because the Upward Bound program is federally funded, we are required to follow certain guidelines. At least two-thirds of our students must qualify through both of the above criteria. The other one-third of our students is permitted to single-qualify.

Additional Expectations

A primary requirement for a student to enter our program is a desire to pursue a post-secondary education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to apply to our program. Furthermore, students must be motivated to succeed academically and have a demonstrated need for support in pursuing higher education.

Upward Bound recruits students with the expectation that they will participate in the program until graduation from high school.

Cost

There is no cost to apply nor to participate! In addition to being a free program, students are eligible to receive a $40 per month stipend during the academic year and a $60 per month stipend during the summer program IF they complete all required activities and tutoring.

How to Apply

The application is available in the fall semester during our recruitment period. The 2025 application deadline is Monday, November 10, 2025.

Click here to APPLY NOW! 

Late Submissions

Although we will still accept late applications, preference will be given to freshmen and juniors who complete their applications on time. Please note that our system does not notify us of late submissions, so if you choose to apply past the November 10th deadline, please send an email to boundu@beloit.edu to notify us of your application submission. 

Application Timeline

Simply submitting an application is not a guarantee of acceptance into the program. We have a strict limit on the number of students that we are able to serve because our program is funded by grants through the Department of Education. We are looking for those who are very motivated and who will bring positivity and dedication to our community.

After we review your application materials, you may be offered an opportunity to interview with us. A parent/guardian must also attend the interview with you. Interview offers will be made in mid-November. Interviews will take place on Beloit College’s campus in early December.

Offers of acceptance will be sent out by mid-December, and if admitted, you will begin participating in Upward Bound events starting in January 2026!