TRIO Upward Bound Math Science
TRIO Upward Bound Math Science is a pre-college program providing supportive academic instruction and tutoring in mathematics and science on the PNW campus.

Learn About Who Should Apply and How To Apply!
Upward Bound is now accepting applications to be considered for Spring 2023!
Questions? Contact Ms. Garcia, Outreach Coordinator, at garci346@pnw.edu.
Participating in Upward Bound
Upward Bound offers special workshops and seminars regarding careers, college admission and financial aid as well as activities that encourage parental involvement, personal responsibility, and positive self-esteem. Our program fosters increased knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Eligible Schools
Students attending the high schools below may be eligible for participation in Upward Bound. Students not enrolled in these schools may be eligible for assistance in Upward Bound programs at nearby universities.
City | Schools |
---|---|
Hammond | Hammond Central High School Morton High School |
Gary | Thea Bowman Leadership Academy |
The History of Upward Bound
Since 1966, Purdue University’s Upward Bound Program has helped hundreds of students prepare for a successful college education. Purdue’s Upward Bound Program is one of seven Federal TRIO Programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. All TRIO programs are vested in the notion that all committed students deserve an opportunity of a higher education (without regard to race, gender, national origin or ADA status) regardless of their family’s economic resources and or educational background. However, specific rules for acceptance and participation vary by program type.
2023 Spring Academy Dates
For the full list of important dates and trips, click here.
- January 21st – First Day of Spring Saturday Academy & Orientation Session
- January 24th – First Day of CRAM
- January 25th – First CRAM workshop of the semester
- February 11th – Saturday Academy
- March 11th – Saturday Academy
- April 15th – Saturday Academy
- May 20th – Last Saturday Academy of the Spring Semester
Three-Year Plan
Upward Bound is a continuous three-year program consisting of a five-week, nonresidential orientation program, a seven-week, summer residential component, and an eight-week nonresidential college experience, as well as Saturday classes during the academic year
A three-week, nonresidential, orientation program at the Hammond campus. Students attend classes daily and attend in field trips as well as meet with the second and third year program students at both the Hammond and West Lafayette campuses. Classes are high school level “college-prep” classes and may be accepted as “partial credit” by the student’s high school.
Juniors will participate in a seven-week, summer, residential component at the Purdue University West Lafayette campus. Students live in a Residence Hall with program staff resides in the same hall with the program students. (“In Loco Parentis” is in effect at all times!)
Students take high school development classes, help mentor the new (first year) students, produce a summer “year book,” take advanced college level study skills courses, and receive academic credits granted by the student’s high school. Students in this phase are eligible to take aviation classes at the Purdue University Airport, where the renowned heroine, Amelia Earhart taught aviation to college students!
Seniors will experience in an eight-week, nonresidential, college visit at the Hammond campus. Students are expected to commit to the following:
- Take a maximum of two courses for a total of six (6) college credits
- Engage in high school level skills enhancement classes
- Commit to an advanced writing course
- Undertake career development classes
- Mentor the new (first year) students
- Produce a weekly newsletter
- and Participate in field trips
High school graduates, who are planning to begin their post-secondary education at any of the Purdue campuses, have the opportunity to participate in an optional eight-week, summer bridge component. Students in this phase may take these courses in either the Hammond or the West Lafayette campus and may enroll in college level courses for up to seven (7) college credits.
Resource Center
Technological Resources and Additional Forms
Excused Absence Form – If you will be absent from a Saturday Academic Academy class, please complete this form within 48 hours of your absence.
Remind App – This app will be used to send updates about important class information.
Orientation Packet: Fall 2021 – Parents and students must print, fill out, and sign this packet before returning it to the Upward Bound office in the Classroom and Office building. If there is not a printer in your home, please contact your local library or Office Depot to print. The packet must be signed before they are returned to our office.
Here is a list of libraries in Lake County, Indiana:
Yearly High School Checklist– A comprehensive list of steps that senior high school students should be taking in order to be prepared for college.
Upward Bound Tutoring Resources – Students should refer to the online tutoring resource, the Khan Academy website! They have tutoring material for all grades and subjects.
Contact Upward Bound
Classroom Office Building (CLO) Room 176
2200 169th Street
Hammond, IN 46323

Ronnell C DuBose, M.A.
Director, TRIO Upward Bound
(219) 989-2392
Book An Appointment With Ronnell
Classroom Office Building (CLO) 158B

Chicha Sanders, M.S.ED.
Assistant Director, TRIO Upward Bound
(219) 989-8362
Book An Appointment With Chicha
Classroom Office Building (CLO) 158C

Celeste Garcia
Outreach Coordinator, TRIO Upward Bound
(219) 989-2478
Book An Appointment With Celeste
Classroom Office Building (CLO) 158D

Corrina Qualls, M.Ed
Academic Coordinator, TRIO Upward Bound
219-989-2248
Book an Appointment With Corrina
Classroom Office Building (CLO) 158E

Rebecca Ann Zaczkiewicz-Tudor (Becky)
Administrative Assistant, TRIO Upward Bound
219-989-2392
Classroom and Office Building (CLO) Suite 176
Federally funded by the US Department of Education
The Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Programs provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. For fiscal year 2022-2027, $867,449 of federal dollars will be used to fund the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Programs at PNW. The program is operated 100% by federal funds.