Upward Bound

Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded college preparatory program that offers assistance to low-income and first-generation college-bound students. The focus of Upward Bound is to develop skills needed for a college education. We're dedicated to helping participating students graduate from high school with a solid foundation (i.e., completion of required coursework and a strong GPA) necessary for entering college. Upward Bound continues to support participants to ensure continued college enrollment and, ultimately, graduation.

The Mills College Upward Bound program has played an integral role in the Oakland Unified School District for the last 45 years and now begins a relationship with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to continue to build and expand close relationships with eligible students and their families. Our goal is to equip students with the skills and motivation necessary for college graduation. 

For scheduling information, please view the Upward Bound Calendar. If you are an Upward Bound graduate with updates to share, please complete our Alumni Update Response Sheet.

Target Schools

Castlemont High School
8601 MacArthur Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94605

Coliseum College Preparatory Academy
1390 66th Avenue
Oakland, CA 94621

De Anza High School
5000 Valley View Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803

Fremont High School
4610 Foothill Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94601

Kennedy High School
4300 Cutting Boulevard
Richmond, CA 94804

LPS Oakland
8601 MacArthur Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94605

Life Academy 
2101 35th Avenue
Oakland, CA 94601

McClymonds High School
2607 Myrtle Street
Oakland, California  94607

Oakland High School
1023 MacArthur Boulevard
Oakland, CA  94610

Oakland Technical High School
4351 Broadway
Oakland, California  94611

Richmond High School
1250 23rd Street
Richmond, CA 94804

Skyline High School 
12250 Skyline Boulevard
Oakland, CA  94619

Eligibility

In order to be eligible as a Mills College Upward Bound participant, the high school student must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a first-generation college-bound student (neither parent/guardian graduated from a four-year college)
  • Meet federal low-income guidelines
  • Attend or anticipate attending one of our target high schools
  • Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or be in the process of becoming a permanent resident