Welcome to the
Project Upward Bound College Prep Academy

Project Upward Bound College Prep Academy is under the umbrella of TRiO Programs, established when Congress passed the Higher Education Act of 1965, now known as the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HECA). A federally funded program, Project Upward Bound (PUB) has been in place at Oakland University since 1966 and serves 120 students per year. Its mission is to provide academic, social, cultural, and career enrichment that prepares students to succeed in higher education.

During the Summer Academy, rising 10th and 11th grade Project participants live on the beautiful campus of Oakland University. They are involved in a rigorous curriculum of study in English composition and reading, mathematics, laboratory science, foreign language, performing arts, computer applications, and guidance. Evenings feature structured social and cultural activities; and Fridays are reserved for “Classroom on Wheels” educational field trips.  Participants are expected to achieve specific learning outcomes in each class and improve their grade level performance on the Iowa Test of Educational Development.  There are prerequisities for the "Big Trip" at Summer's end.  Rising 12th grade Project participants are involved in Senior Seminar, commuting to campus two times a week for college, scholarship, and career research.  As their final project, they develop a slide show and present their findings to an audience of parents and administrators.

During the Academic Year Program, participants receive academic, social, career, and cultural enrichment as well. ACT preparation occurs twice monthly during Saturday Academy. Tutorial services are provided in College Clubs in each target school weekly. A joint meeting is held with all students monthly at each school. Also, each participant and their parent(s) meet with the Project Advisor at least twice annually to make sure participants’ needs are being met by PUB. The Project Upward Bound Parent Association also plays a very active part in supporting the mission and objectives of PUB.

Organizationally, PUB is located within the Division of Student Affairs at Oakland University. Currently, it is the only TRiO Program at the institution.

Considering all of the services provided, PUB participants receive a “Service Scholarship” valued at more than $4,900 per year. To view  a student-developed presentation about PUB, click here.