Academic Support
Tutoring, supplemental instruction, study skills, academic monitoring, and individualized planning.
About the Program
About Upward Bound
Learn how UNM-Valencia Upward Bound supports eligible high school students during the academic year and summer.
Preparing students for what comes next
UNM-Valencia Upward Bound is a free, federally funded college-preparatory program serving eligible students from Belen High School, Los Lunas High School, and Valencia High School. The program helps students strengthen academic skills, prepare for college, explore careers, and build habits that support success after high school.
Students participate in year-round academic and college-readiness activities and may remain in the program through high school as long as they continue to meet program requirements.
Program Support
What students receive
College & Career Planning
College applications, financial aid, scholarships, career exploration, and postsecondary planning.
Test & College Readiness
SAT/ACT preparation, workshops, dual-enrollment support, and college-readiness activities.
College Exposure & Enrichment
Campus visits, cultural and educational experiences, service learning, and summer programming.
Program Experience
Academic Year
During the school year, Upward Bound combines academic support, planning, workshops, and enrichment to help students make steady progress toward graduation and college.
Individual Success Planning
Students work with program staff on academic goals, high school progress, career exploration, college options, financial aid, scholarships, and personal goals.
Tutoring
Tutoring and academic support help students strengthen performance in core high school subjects and build effective study habits.
Saturday Sessions & Workshops
Selected sessions provide supplemental instruction and workshops focused on academic readiness, test preparation, personal development, financial literacy, wellness, and career exploration.
College & Career Planning
Students receive guidance with college exploration, applications, financial aid, scholarships, testing, and postsecondary planning.
Field Trips & Enrichment
Program experiences may include college visits, community engagement, service learning, cultural activities, and team-building opportunities.
Program Experience
Summer Program
The Summer Program is seven weeks total: six weeks on the UNM-Valencia campus and one week of out-of-state college campus visits for students who qualify. The program reinforces academic skills, introduces new concepts, and expands students' exposure to college, careers, culture, and community.
Academics
Students take core curriculum enhancement courses designed to reinforce prior learning and prepare them for the next grade level.
College & Career Exposure
Campus visits and career-focused experiences help students explore postsecondary options and possible career paths.
Enrichment & Creative Problem Solving
Collaborative activities encourage students to apply prior knowledge, develop new skills, and build confidence as learners.
Service Learning
Students connect classroom learning with community experiences and reflect on how service, careers, and education intersect.
Attendance Expectations
Current summer dates, daily hours, drop-off and pick-up information, and attendance expectations will be posted as they are confirmed.
Next Step
Interested in joining Upward Bound?
Review eligibility requirements and start with the Pre-Application.
View Eligibility & Apply