HISTORY OF UPWARD BOUND
AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

Lincoln University is the oldest black college/university in the country it began the sponsorship of the Upward Bound Program in 1966. This program was originally designed to work primarily with high school seniors, assisting them in preparing for college. This was to provide students with guidance in the admission and application process.The project also provided students with a summer bridge component to help them in the transition from high school to college.

From 1966 to 1967 Upward Bound was an all male project. In 1972 the project became coed, giving female students the same opportunity as males in the community.

The project focus is to guide, encourage and assist students in pursuing a post-secondary education. The program provides participants a rigorous academic/residential experience throughout their high school years along with extensive personal counseling, career guidance and cultural enrichment.

Upward Bound serves high schools of southern Chester County and South Philadelphia. The project while predominantly African /American continues to welcome students of all ethnic, racial and social/economic backgrounds. Lincoln University is extremely supportive of Upward Bound and as part of it’s commitment makes available consistently the facilities and resources of the institution. Upward Bound students applying to Lincoln are always given serious consideration.