University Communications and Marketing

MSUB selected to receive Upward Bound grant funding

Daniel Benge, Upward Bound, 657-2179

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Montana State University Billings has been awarded federal grant funding ensuring the continuation of its Upward Bound program.

The University will receive $338,250 a year over five years to support the very successful program that prepares area high school students for college.

MSUB has hosted Upward Bound for 45 years and currently serves 77 participants from four schools in Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties. The program focuses on disadvantaged youth.

“We take about 20 new students each year and have about 75 who apply, so it’s quite competitive,” said Upward Bound Director Daniel Benge. “Our goal isn’t recruitment, but in placing them in a college that benefits the student and the data shows that Upward Bound is a great success.”

Upward Bound was established by special amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965. 

The program operates year round and provides services through three components. These services include, but are not limited to, a six-week summer residential program in which students live on campus and attend classes, a bridge program for those students who have successfully completed two summer sessions, and a nine-month academic tutorial program for students involved in Upward Bound. 

Participants also receive services such as instructional advising, career development, cultural enrichment, and individual assistance in applying to colleges.

Benge is excited for the current group of participants to soon arrive on the MSU Billings campus for the annual Academic Summer Camp. The six-week course begins June 11 and will include an interconnected curriculum developed around marine biology.