Upward Bound is a college preparatory program which provides high school students the opportunity to acquire the academic skills and personal motivation necessary to finish high school, enter and earn a degree from a college or university. The students selected for the Higher Education Consortium (HEC) Upward Bound program must have the desire, determination and commitment to participate in all activities and training.
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 The Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis's mission is to enhance student access to and achievement in higher education. HEC Upward Bound is designed to help students improve their academic performance and be prepared to enroll and graduate from a college or university of their choice. Parent involvement is important to student academic achievement. We also provide support to parents to assist them in helping their student. HEC Upward Bound is housed on the St. Louis Community College at Forest Park campus.

Upward Bound is 100% federally funded by the U. S. Department of Education for eligible high school students who aspire toward higher education. Upward Bound is part of the TRiO family of federally funded programs.