The purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program is to prepare high school students for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in the fields of math and science.

An UBMS project must provide the following services:

• Academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;
• Advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection;
• Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications;
• Information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
• Guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry; alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma, entry into general educational development (GED) programs or entry into postsecondary education;
• Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students' parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education;
• Any project that has received funds under this part for at least two years must include as part of its core curriculum in the next and succeeding years, instruction in mathematics through pre-calculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition and literature;
• Intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites;
• Activities that will provide participants with opportunities to learn from mathematicians and scientists who are engaged in research and teaching at the applicant institution, or who are engaged in research or applied science at hospitals, governmental laboratories, or other public and private agencies;
• Activities that will involve participants with graduate and undergraduate science and mathematics majors who may serve as tutors and counselors for participants;
• A summer instructional component that is designed to simulate a college-going experience that is at least six weeks in length and includes daily coursework and other activities;
• A summer bridge component consisting of math- and science-related coursework for those participants who have completed high school and intend on enrolling in an institution of higher education in the following fall term; and
• An academic year component designed by the applicant to enhance achievement of project objectives in the most cost-effective way taking into account the distances involved in reaching participants in the project's target area.

An UBMS project may provide the following services:

• Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth;
• Information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the youth;
• On-campus residential programs;
• Mentoring programs involving elementary school or secondary school teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
• Work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree; and
• Programs and activities as described under required services that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youths, participants in or who are aging out of foster care, or other disconnected participants.

The UBMS Program competition is held every four years.

All UBMS grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.

The average UBMS grant award amount is $258,749.

The UBMS Program does not require cost sharing or matching.

All UBMS Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the progress being made towards meeting the approved objectives. Additionally, each grantee must maintain records to determine participant's eligibility, services being provided to the participant, educational progress of the participant through high school and the pursuit of a postsecondary education program, and any services a participant may receive from other TRIO programs or another federally funded program serving populations with similar backgrounds.

Any non-federal entities expending $500,000 or more a year in federal awards are required to conduct an A-133 audit. UBMS grantees must have an evaluation plan in place that supports formative and summative evaluation measures as outlined in the program regulations.

The success of the UBMS Program is measured by the percentage of low-income, first-generation college students who successfully pursue and complete postsecondary education.

A few examples of concrete allowable activities include, but are not limited to:

An UBMS project must provide participants with a summer instructional component that is designed to stimulate a college-going experience for participants. Also, UBMS projects must provide intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, and at field-sites. Additional activities include exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth.

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