UMD’s Upward Bound Program Awarded $3M to Support Prince George’s High Schoolers

Local high school students seeking to attend college will get an extra boost of financial literacy and support, thanks to a new five-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The federal grant continues funding for the University of Maryland’s Upward Bound Program for 120 Prince George’s County Public Schools students each year through 2027 and adds new services. Classes and tutoring sessions in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition and literature, and foreign languages are designed for students who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, have disabilities or have limited English proficiency.

“The Upward Bound program offers crucial support to students who might not otherwise have access to a college education,” said William A. Cohen, associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies. “This programming expands students’ worlds by giving them the preparation they need to succeed in college and beyond.”

UMD’s Upward Bound program has worked with Prince George’s County high schools for more than 50 years. Students meet every Saturday morning for tutoring and counseling. During the intensive six-week summer session, participants reside on campus.

“We are proud and grateful to be one of the leading programs in the Washington, D.C. area,” said Georgette Hardy DeJesus, executive director of pre-college programs at UMD. “We have the opportunity to help these dedicated students realize their dreams of going to college and succeeding in life.”

New LIFT Academy workshops will help students and families understand personal finance topics such as savings, loans and investments and how to navigate the college financial aid process. They are also available to the general public.