Upward Bound Math and Science

What is Upward Bound Math and Science?

Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) is a federal grant program funded by the US Department of Education. UBMS assists students in graduating from high school and pursuing postsecondary education in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) discipline.

UBMS is located on the main campus of Murray State University and serves 63 students from schools in Western
Kentucky and Southern Illinois. Target schools in the UBMS program are:

Paducah Tilghman High School (Paducah, KY)
Mayfield High School (Mayfield, KY)
Christian County High School (Hopkinsville, KY)
Hopkinsville High School (Hopkinsville, KY)
Massac County High School (Metropolis, IL)

Program Services

All program services are provided FREE to participating members of the program. UBMS Coordinators work closely with school administration, counselors and teachers to provide services to students throughout the academic year and during summer programs. These services include:

Academic tutoring services, provided through online tutors and teachers at each of our target schools, in all courses and subjects
Advice and assistance in secondary school course selection
Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams and college admission applications
Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness)
Assistance in competing the Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA)
Assistance in locating and applying for public and private scholarships
Financial Literacy for students and parents
Personal and career counseling
STEM career exploration
Activities with STEM professionals and college students who are STEM majors
College campus visits and cultural events
STEM workshops to encourage interest in STEM careers
College preparation workshops and counseling for families
Student Leadership Program
Community Mentoring Program
Six-week Summer Academy, where students live on-campus in the residential halls and participate in rigorous STEM courses, in addition to Language Arts, Mathematics, Foreign Language and a variety of elective courses

Who Can Apply?

Students accepted to the program are expected to make a serious commitment to UBMS and to getting a postsecondary education. You should apply if you are:

A student in grades 9 – 12 at one of the target schools served by the program
A student interested in pursuing a STEM degree after high school, either at a 2-year or 4-year institution
A student with the potential for academic success and a determination to further your education

Students must meet the following ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. These include:

US Citizenship or one of the following:
- in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and can provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of intent to become a permanent resident
- a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
- a resident of the Freely Associated States – the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau
Income: Students whose family income meets federal guidelines
First-generation college status: Students whose parents do not have a 4-year college degree
Academic Status: Students who have at least a 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale); preference is given to students with a higher GPA, who meet other program requirements

UBMS is required to gather certain information, such as income verification. Federal law requires that all information remain confidential.