Upward Bound Program

CAPS Pre-College Programs

Your path to college starts here.

Upward Bound provides year-round academic support, college preparation, and an encouraging community for eligible Connecticut high school students.

See If You Qualify

Grades 9–12

Year-Round Support

Six-Week Summer Experience

No Cost

 

Students learning together in a CAPS pre-college program

Preparation with Purpose

Upward Bound motivates and prepares students from underserved communities who have the potential to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

With support from the U.S. Department of Education and the University of Connecticut, the program serves students in Hartford, Naugatuck, Norwich, and Windham through academic-year and summer programming.

Support for the whole college journey

High School Success

Strengthen academic skills, study habits, and confidence with tutoring and individualized support.

College & Career Preparation

Explore colleges and careers while learning how to navigate admissions, financial aid, and important decisions.

Health & Wellness

Develop habits and strategies that support physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Personal Development

Build leadership, communication, self-advocacy, and other skills that help students thrive.

Family Engagement

Engage families as informed partners in college preparation and student success.

A summer built for momentum

The six-week on-campus experience gives students time and space to focus on learning, college readiness, and community.

Learn

    • Complete foundational courses
    • Strengthen academic skills

Prepare

    • Build a strong college admissions profile
    • Practice college-readiness strategies

Connect

    • Meet peers and mentors
    • Participate in enrichment activities

Program eligibility

Eligibility is determined through federal program requirements and individual student circumstances. Eligible students generally:
    • Want to attend a two- or four-year college
    • Demonstrate an academic or personal need for program services
    • Meet first-generation college and/or household-income criteria
    • Meet federal citizenship or residency requirements
    • Are between ages 13 and 19 and attend a target school
Cost: There is no charge to participate.

Target schools

    • Naugatuck High School
    • Norwich Free Academy
    • Windham High School
Contact the program team to confirm current school eligibility and available spaces.

Take the next step with Upward Bound.

Ask about eligibility, participating schools, and how students can get involved.
Email the Pre-College Team