Texas Tech Celebrates Upward Bound's 50 Years of Success

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of Upward Bound, and celebrating alongside the national academic enrichment program is Texas Tech University.

Upward Bound is a federally funded program that provides opportunities for first-generation students from low-income families and students with disabilities, and strives to help high school students succeed in their academic studies and ultimately achieve the dream of attending and graduating from college. Texas Tech’s Upward Bound program is one of the oldest in the nation with 47 years of existence.

Texas Tech commemorated the national anniversary with an Upward Bound alumni reception and summer showcase at the Lubbock Civic Center.

“It is an honor to continue the success of this historic program both in the country and in particular at Texas Tech,” said Jesse Jalomo, managing director for Upward Bound. “As a former student and graduate of Texas Tech’s Upward Bound Program, it is especially gratifying to be a part of the program’s future. Upward Bound has become inculcated into the fabric of Texas Tech and will continue to serve as a beacon to students that participate in the program.”

"Upward Bound is a dynamic, academic enrichment program designed to prepare first-generation high school students for college."

Serving as the “first program” of the federal TRIO program, Upward Bound began in 1964 as a part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty . The program partners colleges with challenged or under-resourced high schools in rural and urban communities to provide academic support in college readiness, literature, composition, mathematics and science. Students between the ages of 13 and 18 can receive the education on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer.

The longevity of Texas Tech’s Upward Bound program is due in part to the highly competitive grant competition every five years that secures funding for programs to continue operating. Texas Tech has been awarded $455,000 annually in funding to help provide education for students who qualify. In 2012, Texas Tech’s program was selected for a $2.5 million grant to last through 2017.

“The legacy of President Johnson’s 1964 War on Poverty campaign, continues to impact the lives of students today, most notably at Texas Tech in the form of its Upward Bound program,” said Juan Muñoz, vice president of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement. “Like President Johnson’s commitment to low-income and first generations students, Texas Tech has positioned itself to be among the nation’s premiere and longest serving Upward Bound programs.

“We are proud of our almost five decade participation in Upward Bound, and the thousands of low-income and first generation students whose futures have been profoundly enhanced through our university, and its Upward Bound program.”