TRiO Upward Bound

Since 1992, Upward Bound at Normandale Community College has helped high school students prepare for higher education.

The Normandale Upward Bound program serves 66 students attending four partner high schools: Richfield, Shakopee, Southwest and Washburn.

Upward Bound members participate in a variety of activities ranging from tutoring to field trips to college visits, after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. Upward Bound (UB) is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant program that has been helping students prepare for college and careers since 1965.

Whom Does Upward Bound Serve?

66 students from four partner high schools:
- Richfield High School
- Shakopee High School
- Southwest High School
- Washburn High School
- Kennedy High School
Students who are recruited in grades 9-11 and participate through their senior year.
Students who come from families who face economic challenges and/or families in which neither parent has a 4-year college degree.
Students who are motivated to do well in high school and go on to college.

Upward Bound Student Handbook

Program Brochure

What Services Does Upward Bound Provide?

Homework Help and Tutoring

Students receive help on their homework from staff and/or tutors
Other activities at tutoring include goal setting meetings, ACT preparation, college and career planning, Khan Academy, etc.

Tutoring Times and Locations

Richfield High School - Monday and Wednesday, 3:20 pm - 5:00 pm, Room 256
Shakopee High School - Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Room C313
Southwest High School - Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Room E102
Washburn High School - Monday and Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, 111/CCC Lab
Kennedy High School - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Afterschool TBA

Saturday Academies

Workshops: Time Management, Organization, Study Skills, Dealing with Test Anxiety, Essay-Writing, College 101, Financial Literacy, Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letters, etc.
Activities: Motivational Speakers, community service projects, team-building, museum visits, theater, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.

College Visits: October and/or November and As Scheduled

We visit at least one college during the October &/or November Saturday Academies.
Student can submit a "College Visit Request Form" for individual requests.

Career Site Visits

We visit 1-2 sites for a tour and/or panel discussion during Saturday Academies throughout the year.

Depending on site availability, students may get to choose which site they would like to visit.

ACT Preparation and Waivers: Ongoing

Students learn ACT preparation strategies throughout the year during tutoring.
Students can get an ACT waiver from a UB Staff member.

Financial Aid Event - October

Seniors and their parents learn about and start their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

9th-11th Grade Enrichment

6-week program
Students take math, science, English, and world language & culture classes taught by licensed teachers.
Students also take other classes including ACT preparation and financial literacy.
Students receive free snack and lunch, which is supplemented by funding through the U.S. Department of Education.
Students participate in four field trips including team-building, college visit, career site visit, and community service.
Students who meet summer program requirements are eligible to go on a residential trip where we stay in dorms, eat in the cafeteria, and participate in cultural activities.

Senior Bridge

Students can take "College 1000" at Normandale
Students will participate in various workshops and one-on-one meetings to get ready for college.
Students who meet summer program requirements are eligible to go on a residential trip where we stay in dorms, eat in the cafeteria, and participate in cultural activities.

Join Upward Bound - Program Application

Thank you for your interest in joining TRIO Upward Bound at Normandale Community College!

TRIO Upward Bound is a federally funded program by the U.S Department of Education. In order to find out if you qualify and are a good fit for the program, you need to submit a COMPLETED application. All the information submitted on the application is kept secured.

Please complete/submit the following items:

1. Print Program Application

Richfield H.S., Shakopee H.S., Southwest H.S., Washburn H.S | Kennedy H.S ONLY (Complete application in pen ONLY)

2. Income Verification

Any relevant documents can be submitted with the application or emailed to Program Director at jennifer.saunders@normandale.edu.

3. TWO Recommendations

Two recommendations forms are included with your application OR you can email your recommender this online form.

4. Double-check your entries on the form

Ensure that you and your parent/guardian include all signatures and initials before submitting.

5. Allow 1-2 weeks for your application to be processed.

Any missing information or requested documents will result in a delay processing of your application. You will receive and email regarding your application status.

Have Questions or Need Help Completing the Application?

Meet with a program advisor to answer any of your questions or help walk you through the application.

Kennedy, Southwest and Richfield High School: Advisor Kenny White | kenny.white@normandale.edu | 952-358-9346
Shakopee and Washburn High School: Advisor De'Andre Avaloz | deandre.avaloz@normandale.edu | 952-358-9304

Stipend Activities, Forms and Surveys

See supporting information about our program.

Learn More

12th Grade Resources

Check out our resources for Seniors.

Scholarship List

Program Calendar and Events

See what is going on with our program.

See Calendar