Assessments
Each participant takes the Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED) to determine current achievement level. Using the ITED and other factors, participants are placed in class sections by ability. The Academic Coordinator is then able to work with teachers to address participants’ specific skill challenges.
Academic Support
There is a thematic curriculum each year that contributes to the success of the participants. The theme is incorporated into each core class during the Summer Academy and the objective is to achieve grade level improvement. Activities are also geared toward teaching participants the skills they need to achieve proficient scores on the MME/ACT tests and achieve grade level improvement.
The academic enrichment offered participants throughout high school enables them to stay ahead of their school work. Tutoring is provided by Oakland University students and help is available any time it is needed. University resources, such as Kresge Library and computer labs, are accessible for research or homework assignments. Also, the Project Upward Bound Resource Center has reference books and table-top and laptop computers so that resources and technology are always available to participants.
High School Credit
Through partnership agreements with PUB and the target school districts, PUB participants may earn up to one elective credit per year in their school district. PUB does not award the credit but, rather, notifies the school districts of who has met the requirements and recommends the credit award.
College Preparation
PUB prepares participants for college academically, and limited financial relief may be available for those who qualify. ACT preparation is integrated into each class. PUB provides registration fee waivers for the first ACT and SAT. Career exploration gives participants choices for good career matches. PUB also provides waivers for all college applications and provides hands-on financial aid workshops for seniors and their parents. Oakland University and Oakland Community College both provide on-site admission for all PUB seniors at Saturday Academy. In addition, educational field trips include campus visits with admission presentations and college fairs.
Scholarship Opportunities
Project Upward Bound participants who achieve and persist through high school graduation become eligible for a number of scholarship opportunities.
PUB alumni who choose Oakland University are automatically eligible for the Glass Memorial Scholarship. They may also qualify for the Oakland University Trustee Academic Success Scholarship, the SBA Entrepreneurship Institute Scholarship, and/or the OU School of Business Administration (SBA) Scholarship.
PUB alumni who choose to attend either Oakland University or other post secondary institutions, may be eligible for the community-based Elizabeth Copeland Glass Education Foundation Scholarship.
Pontiac graduates are eligible to apply for the Turner Foundation Scholarship and the Pontiac Alumni Scholarship. Oak Park graduates may apply for Oak Park Business and Education Alliance Scholarships. Participants from both Districts may also qualify for Oakland University’s McCree Scholars Program (full tuition for four years).
"Any program that offers "at risk" students the opportunity to enhance their social & educational development is worth a lot of praise. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and look forward to working in this program again."
Lenny Compton, OU Alumnus
Former PUB Peer Mentor
Current PUB Reading Instructor