Upward Bound
- Pre-Application Form
- Photo Collection
- Yearbook
- Upward Bound Staff
- Recommendation Form (PDF Format)
- Tutoring Log (PDF Format)
- High School Freshmen Stipend Information (PDF Format)
- High School Sophomores Stipend Information (PDF Format)
- High School Juniors Stipend Information (PDF Format)
- High School Seniors Stipend Information (PDF Format)
Mission Statement
The mission of NMJC Upward Bound is to provide educational programs and support services to enhance the quality of life for the individuals and community we serve.
Who and what is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is part of TRiO, a group of federally funded programs. Upward Bound, which began in 1964, was the first TRiO program to be funded through the Higher Education Act. The goals of Upward Bound are to:
- Support, mentor, and encourage students throughout high school
- Prepare students for college
- Give students the skills necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree
How does Upward Bound achieve these goals?
During the school year, Upward Bound provides:
- One Saturday session at New Mexico Junior College each month
- ACT preparation
- Free tutoring
- Trips to visit college campuses and attend cultural events
- Transportation to and from activities (except tutoring and Saturday sessions)
During the summer session, Upward Bound provides:
- A six-week Summer Institute, including room and board in New Mexico Junior College dorms and daily classes in science, math, English, ACT preparation, physical education, and various other activities.
- Trips to visit college campuses and attend cultural events.
How much does it cost?
Upward Bound never costs anything. Ever!! Transportation is provided (except for tutoring and Saturdays), meals are provided, and everything is paid for on trips.
Who should apply?
Students in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades who are interested in working hard to get good grades and prepare for college are perfect candidates for Upward Bound.
How do I qualify?
Upward Bound serves seventy 9th through 12th grade students from all of Lea County. Our students can qualify by being EITHER low income OR a member of a family in which neither parent (or guardian) has completed a bachelor’s degree.
How can I apply or find out more?
Fill out the Upward Bound Online Recruit Form or your counseling office should have interest postcards. Complete one and return it to your guidance counselor or the Upward Bound office at New Mexico Junior College. If you prefer, you may simply call us at 575.392.6515 or 575.392.2085, or stop by. We are located in room 159 of the Caster Activity Center.
Evidence of Achievement
Students in the Upward Bound program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRiO. Nearly 20 percent of all Black and Hispanic freshmen who entered college in 1981 received assistance through the TRiO programs, and these students are more than twice as likely to remain in college than those students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRiO.
Programs at a Glance
Nationally, students enrolled in today's TRiO programs mirror our nation's multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society. Thirty-seven percent of TRiO students are Caucasian, 35% are African-American, 19% are Hispanic, 4% are Native American, and 4% are Asian-American. Sixteen thousand TRiO students are disabled.
Contact
Contact the following Upward Bound personnel for more information:
Michael F. Chavez,
Director
Mr. Chavez attended NMJC before completing a BS and an MS in educational counseling
at CSW. He worked with Student Support Services, another TRiO
program, and taught psychology at NMJC for two years before becoming director
of the Upward Bound program. You may reach Mr. Chavez
at 575.392.6515 or 575.399.0923, or email him at mchavez@nmjc.edu.