Upward Bound Program Description

The Upward Bound Program at NMH is a federally funded (Department of Education) initiative designed to provide low-income students with the skills and motivation they need to succeed in high school and college.

Learn more about Upward Bound from Northfield Mount Hermon School on Vimeo.

Summer Academy (mid-June to early August)

  • Sixty-six students from Holyoke, Springfield, and Franklin County attend the six-week Summer Academy on the NMH campus. 
  • All students take a challenging course of study (30 hours of classes per week) designed to develop and strengthen English, math, science, and world language skills. 
  • Seminars cover such topics as learning study skills, preparing for a career, and applying to college. 
  • Students participate in athletic and cultural activities, including trips. 
  • College-age UB alumni mentor and tutor students in the program. 
  • The UB annual Diversity Conference provides students the opportunity to explore a wide range of diversity issues facing students now and in college. NMH Upward Bound Program has received national recognition for its work on diversity issues. 
  • Students live in dorms, which prepares them for the experience of moving away from family, living with roommates, managing their time, and independence.
  • All services are free and most transportation is provided. 
  • Fee waivers are provided for college applications, financial aid applications, and required testing fees. 
  • Students earn small stipends for meeting program expectations. 
  • Parents support the program through their participation in the Parent Advisory Council, Parent Days, and fundraising activities. 

Academic-Year Program (September – May) 

  • Weekly academic advising is provided to each student at his or her school. 
  • Tutoring is provided twice a week in each school. 
  • Classes on SAT prep, the college search, college visits, interviewing skills, financial aid applications, MCAS preparation, decision-making skills, and study skills are offered throughout the year. 
  • Intensive assistance is provided to students and parents throughout the college and financial aid application process. 
  • Students participate in 52 hours of community service each year.