Northfield Mount Hermon: 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 needed to succeed in college. The students come from a group that has statistically demonstrated a low likelihood of graduating from high school, going to college, and finishing college. NMH Upward Bound counters the risk factors for these students by providing long-term, rigorous, intensive services.

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 prepare them for study skills, career exploration, and college application process.
Students participate in athletic and cultural activities, including trips.
College-age UB alumni provide mentoring and tutoring.
The annual diversity conference provides 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, and learning about diversity.
All services are free and most transportation is provided.
Fee waivers are provided for college applications and required testing fees.
Students earn small stipends for meeting program expectations.
Parents support the program through 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.
SAT prep, college search, college visits, interviewing skills, financial aid workshops, 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.

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