Upward Bound Math-Science

Upward Bound Math-Science is a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that funds programs designed to strengthen the math and science skills of low-income, first-generation college students and help them pursue postsecondary degrees and careers in STEM fields.

Program services include summer math and science training, year-round counseling and advisement, exposure to university researchers, computer training, and student-conducted scientific research under faculty mentorship. Services are specially designed to reach students who are limited English proficient, from underrepresented groups, have disabilities, are homeless, or are in foster care.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, local educational agencies, state educational agencies, and nonprofits.

Upward Bound Math-Science | U.S. Department of Education Upward Bound Math-Science Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) State Educational Agencies (SEAs) Legislation & Regulations 2025 Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels Letter to TRIO and GEAR UP programs' project directors about an ED and HHS collaborative for disconnected youth (MS Word, 76K) Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants Also Known As: Upward Bound, TRIO (This is one of eight TRIO programs) The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students.

The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.

Program services include: summer programs with intensive math and science training; year-round counseling and advisement; exposure to university faculty members who do research in mathematics and the sciences; computer training; and participant-conducted scientific research under the guidance of faculty members or graduate students, who are serving as mentors; education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.

Services provided by the program include: Exposure to academic programs and cultural events Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school Academic, financial, or personal counseling Information on postsecondary education opportunities Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits Guidance and assistance on secondary school reentry or alternative education programs; entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education Who May Apply: (by category) Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Nonprofit Organizations, Other Organizations and/or Agencies, and State Education Agencies (SEAs) Who May Apply: (specifically) Institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations, and as appropriate to the purposes of the program, secondary schools.

Students must be eligible to participate in the Upward Bound program and must have completed the eighth grade. However, participants do not necessarily have to be participating in a regular Upward Bound program. Two-thirds of all participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students.

The remaining one-third must be low-income or potential first-generation college students. Current competition: FY 2022 Applications available: April 19, 2022 Deadline for transmittal of applications: June 3, 2022 Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2022 dated April 19, 2022 | PDF All applicants are required to submit an application online through Grants. gov .

Grants. gov is a single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by federal and other grant-making agencies. Through Grants.

gov you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the ALN number 84. 047M.

If you experience problems submitting your application through Grants. gov, refer to the Support page and/or contact the Grants. gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726.

For program-specific questions, contact the program officers below . If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the program contact person listed below.

Upward Bound Program Competitive Preference Priority 1: The Department is providing a list of evidence-based practices that are relevant to the Upward Bound Program PDF (100K), Evidence Based Practices PDF (56K), and Practice Guides PDF (92K). This list is not exhaustive.

Additional information regarding the What Works Clearinghouse practice guides and intervention reports that could also be relevant is posted on the Department's website at www. ies. ed.

gov/ncee/wwc . Click here for the Pre-Application Technical Assistance Workshop PowerPoint Presentation Slides. Tanisha Hamblin-Johnson, Ed.

D, 202-453-6090 Tara Lawrence, 202-453-7297 Megan Singleton, 202-453-7265 U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S. W. E-mail: UpwardBound@ed.

gov The information below highlights award history information at both the program and project levels. The program-level information shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2011 through 2024.

FY 2011-2024 Upward Bound Math-Science Funding History: PDF (82K) The project-level information provides funding allocation and number of participants by project for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

FY 2025: Projects funded for 2025-26: PDF (78K) FY 2024: Projects funded for 2024-25: PDF (188K) FY 2023: Projects funded for 2023-24: MS Excel (22K) FY 2022: Projects funded for 2022-23: MS Excel (22K) FY 2021: Projects funded for 2021-22: MS Excel (20K) The U.S. Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science (UB/UBMS) program contains outcome data for two measures -- postsecondary enrollment and postsecondary degree completion -- and one measure of program efficiency.

To obtain the narrative report and/or data tables, click on the link(s) below. Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2022-23 Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2023-24 Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402C 20 U.S.C.

1070a-13 PDF (188K) Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Upward Bound-Math Science program regulations.

HTML Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 645 Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR, Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99 Uniform Guidance Information for ED Grantees -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards : The Department has worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations.

The old rules do not change — they are simply repackaged and enhanced to reduce burden on grantees. The new combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200 . The new guidance will take effect for recipients of Federal funds for awards made on or after December 26, 2014.

The new regulations do not impact any Department of Education awards received prior to this date. Current Low-Income Levels Prior-Year Low-Income Levels Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Applicant and Grantee Resources Division Director, (202) 453-7425 U.S. Department of Education, OPE Higher Education Programs Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science 400 Maryland Avenue, S. W.

Student Service Organization Postsecondary Degree Completion Rates Among Students on the Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science to Student Support Services Pathway PDF (957KB) Fast Facts Report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs: 2017 — 18 Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs Postsecondary Outcomes Report PDF (3.

23MB) Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Program Outcomes for Participants Expected to Graduate High School in 2004-05, With Supporting Data From 2005-06 PDF (256K) A Profile of the Upward Bound Program: 2000-2001 PDF (1MB) Frequently Asked Questions Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section. What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program?

What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds? How often are competitions generally held? What is the duration of the average grant?

What is the average annual grant amount? Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?

What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports? What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?

Are there program-wide performance measures? What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities? 1.

What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program? 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. 2.

What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?

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.

3. How often are competitions generally held? The UBMS Program competition is held every four years.

4. What is the duration of the average grant? All UBMS grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.

5. What is the average annual grant amount? The average UBMS grant award amount is $258,749.

6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?

The UBMS Program does not require cost sharing or matching. 7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees?

What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports? 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. 8.

What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects? 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.

9. Are there program-wide performance measures? 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.

10. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities? 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.

2025 Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels Letter to TRIO and GEAR UP programs' project directors about an ED and HHS collaborative for disconnected youth (MS Word, 76K) Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants Also Known As: Upward Bound, TRIO (This is one of eight TRIO programs) The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students.

The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.

Program services include: summer programs with intensive math and science training; year-round counseling and advisement; exposure to university faculty members who do research in mathematics and the sciences; computer training; and participant-conducted scientific research under the guidance of faculty members or graduate students, who are serving as mentors; education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.

Services provided by the program include: Exposure to academic programs and cultural events Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in education beyond high school Academic, financial, or personal counseling Information on postsecondary education opportunities Assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams Information on the full range of Federal Student Financial Aid programs and benefits Guidance and assistance on secondary school reentry or alternative education programs; entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education Who May Apply: (by category) Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Nonprofit Organizations, Other Organizations and/or Agencies, and State Education Agencies (SEAs) Who May Apply: (specifically) Institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations, and as appropriate to the purposes of the program, secondary schools.

Students must be eligible to participate in the Upward Bound program and must have completed the eighth grade. However, participants do not necessarily have to be participating in a regular Upward Bound program. Two-thirds of all participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students.

The remaining one-third must be low-income or potential first-generation college students. Current competition: FY 2022 Applications available: April 19, 2022 Deadline for transmittal of applications: June 3, 2022 Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2022 dated April 19, 2022 | PDF All applicants are required to submit an application online through Grants. gov .

Grants. gov is a single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by federal and other grant-making agencies. Through Grants.

gov you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the ALN number 84. 047M.

If you experience problems submitting your application through Grants. gov, refer to the Support page and/or contact the Grants. gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726.

For program-specific questions, contact the program officers below . If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the program contact person listed below.

Upward Bound Program Competitive Preference Priority 1: The Department is providing a list of evidence-based practices that are relevant to the Upward Bound Program PDF (100K), Evidence Based Practices PDF (56K), and Practice Guides PDF (92K). This list is not exhaustive.

Additional information regarding the What Works Clearinghouse practice guides and intervention reports that could also be relevant is posted on the Department's website at www. ies. ed.

gov/ncee/wwc . Click here for the Pre-Application Technical Assistance Workshop PowerPoint Presentation Slides. Tanisha Hamblin-Johnson, Ed.

D, 202-453-6090 Tara Lawrence, 202-453-7297 Megan Singleton, 202-453-7265 U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S. W. E-mail: UpwardBound@ed.

gov The information below highlights award history information at both the program and project levels. The program-level information shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2011 through 2024.

FY 2011-2024 Upward Bound Math-Science Funding History: PDF (82K) The project-level information provides funding allocation and number of participants by project for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

FY 2025: Projects funded for 2025-26: PDF (78K) FY 2024: Projects funded for 2024-25: PDF (188K) FY 2023: Projects funded for 2023-24: MS Excel (22K) FY 2022: Projects funded for 2022-23: MS Excel (22K) FY 2021: Projects funded for 2021-22: MS Excel (20K) The U.S. Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science (UB/UBMS) program contains outcome data for two measures -- postsecondary enrollment and postsecondary degree completion -- and one measure of program efficiency.

To obtain the narrative report and/or data tables, click on the link(s) below. Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2022-23 Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2023-24 Legislation & Regulations Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402C 20 U.S.C.

1070a-13 PDF (188K) Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Upward Bound-Math Science program regulations.

HTML Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 645 Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR, Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99 Uniform Guidance Information for ED Grantees -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards : The Department has worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations.

The old rules do not change — they are simply repackaged and enhanced to reduce burden on grantees. The new combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200 . The new guidance will take effect for recipients of Federal funds for awards made on or after December 26, 2014.

The new regulations do not impact any Department of Education awards received prior to this date. Current Low-Income Levels Prior-Year Low-Income Levels Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Applicant and Grantee Resources Division Director, (202) 453-7425 U.S. Department of Education, OPE Higher Education Programs Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science 400 Maryland Avenue, S. W.

Student Service Organization Postsecondary Degree Completion Rates Among Students on the Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science to Student Support Services Pathway PDF (957KB) Fast Facts Report for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs: 2017 — 18 Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs Postsecondary Outcomes Report PDF (3.

23MB) Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Program Outcomes for Participants Expected to Graduate High School in 2004-05, With Supporting Data From 2005-06 PDF (256K) A Profile of the Upward Bound Program: 2000-2001 PDF (1MB) Frequently Asked Questions Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section. What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program?

What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds? How often are competitions generally held? What is the duration of the average grant?

What is the average annual grant amount? Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?

What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports? What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?

Are there program-wide performance measures? What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities? 1.

What is the purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program? 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. 2.

What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?

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.

3. How often are competitions generally held? The UBMS Program competition is held every four years.

4. What is the duration of the average grant? All UBMS grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.

5. What is the average annual grant amount? The average UBMS grant award amount is $258,749.

6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?

The UBMS Program does not require cost sharing or matching. 7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees?

What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports? 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. 8.

What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects? 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.

9. Are there program-wide performance measures? 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.

10. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities? 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. Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Page Last Reviewed: February 26, 2026