Upward Bound Ivy is a grant-funded college preparatory program hosted at Ivy Tech Community College - Muncie Campus. Our purpose is to assist our students in their high school career and assist them with making a smooth transition into the collegiate environment. We strongly believe, with the right resources and a supportive network, anything is possible.

We are making a major impact in the lives of our students and in the Muncie community since we were established in September 2017. We are excited for the recent renewal of our grant extending our program to August of 2027. We are ready to continue dedicating ourselves to student success. In addition to our host college, we also have a powerful network of 20+ organizations we partner with. Together we work to push and motivate our students to be better leaders today, than they were yesterday. We offer a number of services to ensure we create an impact worth pursuing, and this list is ever growing as we strengthen our connections in the Muncie community.
Interested in joining Upward Bound? CLICK HERE

Services:

Upward Bound provides a variety of services to  students. Each service that we offer is an opportunity to help our students achieve their goals, graduate high school, and succeed in college.

Study Tables

We offer after-school study tables and homework help (based on volunteer availability) at Muncie Central High School. Students can work independently, in small groups, or ask to be paired with a volunteer tutor (as available). All students must attend study tables at least once per week.

Mentoring

Each student will work with Upward Bound staff to create an individualized goal plan each semester. Students receive mentoring and check-ins regarding their academic progress throughout the year. 

Grade Checks

Students will participate in regular grade-checks with their college coach or volunteer mentor. These grade-checks keep students focused on academics and let them know that we expect excellence from them.

College Prep 

UB students are guided through the career exploration and college admissions process. The enrichment process includes SAT/ACT prep, assistance with college applications, and financial aid application assistance.

Cultural Events

Upward Bound provides a variety of social and cultural activities that expose students to the arts, history, museums, and other activities. These activities help strengthen bonds between the students and broaden their awareness of the world around them.

Travel

Every UB student has the opportunity to travel with Upward Bound, as long as they are an active participant with our program.

Summer Academy

Students will spend six weeks each summer attending a summer academy in Downtown Muncie. During this academy they will take college preparatory classes and participate in a variety of fun activities, field trips, and workshops. 

College Visits

Upward Bound will host college visit field trips to a number of Midwest colleges and universities each year.

Financial Aid 

Students receive help and guidance in pursuing financial aid. This includes financial aid and scholarship workshops, FAFSA application help, and more.

"I tell my students, When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else."
- Toni Morrison