TRIO UB | Kishwaukee College

TRIO Upward Bound

TRIO UB TRIO Upward Bound (UB) is a program that is federally funded through the United States Department of Education. Upward Bound is one of eight TRIO programs designed to promote academic success. Upward Bound is a college completion program serving students enrolled at DeKalb High School. Kishwaukee’s Upward Bound program provides the support, motivation and academic preparation necessary to go to college.

To learn more, schedule an information session with one of our TRIO advisors.
Open availability 8 am-4 pm on Monday-Thursday.

Schedule a Session

As a 100% federally funded program, there are criteria that students must meet to be served by the program. You are eligible to participate in UB if you meet one of the following criteria:

Be a first-generation college student (If neither of your parents, or parent you reside with, or legal guardian(s) did not receive a bachelor’s degree or higher).
Qualify as a low-income student. Refer to Federal TRIO Programs chart listing of Annual Low-Income Levels.
Demonstrate a need for academic support in preparation for entry into an educational program after high school graduation.

In addition, students must:

Be enrolled at DeKalb High School.
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legally in the country with intent to become a resident.
Be committed to attending a college or university immediately after high school.

Academic Preparation for College

Academic and college preparatory workshops
Tutoring and homework help sessions
6-week academic summer program on Kishwaukee College’s campus
Summer Bridge Program available for UB participants the summer after high school graduation and before college enrollment

Educational and Career Planning

Academic advising
Organization, time management and life skills workshops
College and career workshops
College visits, cultural enrichment activities and special events

College Admissions and Financial Aid Information

Preparation for ACT, PSAT & SAT
Individual assistance with college admissions applications
Individual assistance with scholarship and financial aid applications

The program is absolutely free to eligible program participants. However, your commitment, effort and motivation to succeed are required.

If you would like to be one of 60 students who receive individualized support through UB and you meet the eligibility requirements, please complete our application.

TRIO Upward Bound Student Application

TRIO Upward Bound Parent Application

You can also complete the application in our TRIO Upward Bound Office located in C1210 at Kishwaukee College or at the DeKalb High School Student Services Office.

Admission Criteria:

The student must be recommended by at least two DeKalb High School officials (teacher and counselor) as having potential for success in college, but being unlikely to seek admission without additional support.
The student must complete the application package and, if selected, participate in an interview with an Upward Bound staff member and parents.
The student must be willing and able to participate in program activities. Weekly and bi-weekly Saturday sessions must be attended.

Program Requirements:

Complete the application package and, if selected, participate in an interview with UB staff members.
Students must be willing to fully participate in UB in the Summer Academy and during the school year. There will be two Saturday components a month.
UB gives preference to students who are willing to remain in the program through graduation from high school.

Visit us at:

DeKalb High School

Upward Bound Room A115, during office/tutor hours
Monday — scheduled appointments only
Tuesday-Thursday 8 am-4 pm

Kishwaukee College

TRIO Upward Bound Office C2150 during office hours:
Monday-Thursday, 8 am-4 pm

Call or email us at:
815-825-9384 or trioub@kish.edu

Connect with us on Instagram to learn more about TRIO Upward Bound.

Tutoring and Study Labs

The TRIO Upward Bound program offers after-school tutoring, known as study labs, throughout the academic year. The labs are an opportunity for students to get homework help from tutors or continue working on schoolwork independently.

In-person study labs are available from 3-4:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at DeKalb High School in the Media Center.
One-on-one or group tutoring is available upon request.
Virtual study labs are available upon request.

TRIO UB at Six Flags Great America

TRIO UB working with Feed My Starving Children.

TRIO UB at a Paint and Create event at DeKalb High School.

TRIO UB at a Student Mentorship Program.

Start Planning: Spring 2026 Registration Is Now Open

TRIO Upward Bound

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Program Forms

Tutoring and Study Labs

TRIO UB Photo Gallery