Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded educational program based at Western Kentucky University (WKU). UB is dedicated to identifying, recruiting, and selecting students who are determined to succeed academically. Applicants must be either low income, according to current federal guidelines, and/or a potential first generation college student which means their parent(s) cannot have graduated from a four year postsecondary institution. This program serves 86 students from six schools in five south central Kentucky counties: Allen County-Scottsville, Butler County, Edmonson County, Hart County, Logan County, and Russellville High Schools.

The goal of UB is to prepare students for college academically, culturally, and socially. UB is a 12 month program which provides assistance with high school course selection, study skills, ACT preparation, college and career information, college selection, and financial aid application. Staff visit each high school twice per month throughout the school year to meet with students. Programs are presented once a month on Saturdays September through May on WKU’s campus. Students attend a six week residential program each summer which focuses on academics and provides cultural and social activities.