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.

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.