Apply to CU Upward Bound

All eligible students should consider applying to the CUUB program! Students with an interest in postsecondary academic success are especially encouraged to apply. Preference is given to those students enrolled in the 9th-10th  grades. However, allowances are given to current juniors, depending on individual circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

CU Upward Bound students are recruited from a target area comprising six American Indian reservation communities, each of which has historical tribal ties to the state of Colorado. In order to join the CUUB program, potential CUUB students must reside within the target area and/or attend one of the following high schools:

  • Jemez Valley High School - Jemez Pueblo, NM
  • Walatowa Charter High School - Ponderosa, NM

  • Rock Point Community High School - Rock Point, AZ

  • Shiprock High School - Shiprock, NM

  • Tohatchi High School - Tohatchi, NM

  • San Juan High School - Blanding, UT

  • Little Wound High School - Kyle, SD

  • Oelrichs High School - Oelrichs, SD

  • Red Cloud Indian High School - Pine Ridge SD

  • Pine Hill High School - Pine Hill, NM

  • Native American Community Academy - Albuquerque, NM

  • Bayfield High School - Bayfield, CO

  • Montezuma-Cortez High School - Cortez, CO

All prospective students of any Upward Bound program must satisfy at least one of the following federal criteria:

  • Student is a potential first-generation college student (neither parent having a bachelor's degree)
  • Student's family meets federal low-income guidelines. Refer to this for current low-income levels.

In addition to being first-generation, low-income, or both, prospective CU Upward Bound students must also satisfy both of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Student is currently enrolled in grades 9-11
  • Student resides within one of the six target communities within our target areas and/or attends one of our 13 partner high schools.

The most important features of a strong CUUB applicant are:

  • Readiness to embrace challenges
  • A love of learning, or the desire to love learning
  • Dedication to self empowerment and improvement through communal involvement
  • Willingness to live the O.U.R F.I.R.E values both inside and outside the classroom

Admission to the CU Upward Bound Program is contingent upon the timely submission of the CUUB application packet (see below). This application packet requires students to submit their transcript, teacher recommendations and short personal essays. However, there is no minimum GPA requirement for our program; eligible applicants should not make the mistake of thinking that CU Upward Bound is only for students who attain academic success easily.

If you're interested in joining our program and you believe you meet the eligibility requirements talk to your school site coordinator or a CUUB staff today!

Services and Resources Provided

During the academic year, CUUB provides students with the resources and support they need to successfully navigate high school and prepare for their unique postsecondary paths. CUUB also offers students an intensive, six-week Summer Academic Program, held on the CU Boulder campus. The Summer Academic Program is designed to give students the experience of living in a college atmosphere before graduating from high school.

How to Apply

Online Application or Mail-In Application Available! Students can apply through our . Once the online application is turned in, a CUUB staff member will contact you via email or mail. For a mail-in application, request an application packet from the Upward Bound Site Coordinator located within your school or community. Mail completed applications to our office in advance of the deadline, or submit them to your site coordinator to send to us on your behalf.

We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis. 

The University of Colorado Boulder is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.