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TRIO

Upward Bound

FUNDED BY

$3,826,898+

YEARLY SCOLARSHIPS

2780+

STUDENTS SERVED

COLLEGE GOING RATE

76%

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE

98.5%

YEARS OF IMPACT

24+

ARE FIRST GENERATION AND/OR LOW INCOME STUDENTS

75%

Upward Bound is a federally funded college access program through the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Federal TRIO Programs. The program is designed to support high school students in preparing for and succeeding in higher education.

Upward Bound focuses on students who have the potential to succeed in college but may face barriers such as limited financial resources or being the first in their family to attend college.

Participants are selected based on eligibility criteria and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing postsecondary education.

Upward Bound provides a comprehensive, long-term support system that follows students throughout high school. Core services include:
- Academic support in core subject areas such as math, science, and writing
- College and career advising
- Assistance with college applications, financial aid, and scholarships
- Exposure to college campuses and career pathways
- Cultural enrichment and leadership development opportunities
Programs operate year-round, typically including:
- Weekly or regular meetings during the academic year
- A structured summer program that simulates a college experience
Upward Bound primarily serves:
- High school students (grades 9–12)
- First-generation college-bound students
- Students from limited-income households
Upward Bound is designed to produce measurable, long-term outcomes. Students who participate are more likely to:
- Graduate from high school
- Enroll in college immediately after graduation
- Persist in and complete postsecondary education

Our Approach at AIM

At AIM Institute, Upward Bound is implemented with a strong emphasis on academic readiness, college access, and exposure to high-demand career pathways, including technology and innovation.

AIM integrates traditional Upward Bound services with its broader mission to expand access to tech careers, ensuring students are not only college-ready but also future-ready.

Student Experience

Students in AIM’s Upward Bound program receive:

Individualized academic support and tutoring
Dedicated advising and goal-setting through structured check-ins
Hands-on learning experiences, including exposure to technology and STEM fields
College visits and direct engagement with postsecondary institutions
A summer academy focused on academic enrichment and career exploration

Schools Served

Bryan High School
Papillion-La Vista High School
Papillion-La Vista South High School
Thomas Jefferson High School

Apply

Bryan High School

Thomas Jefferson High School

Papillion-LaVista South High School

AIM Youth Academies site coordinators lead the student recruitment process. They also send letters ro freshman and sophomore students and can be found at “Back to School” events at participating schools.

The site coordinators are present in the schools and can answer any questions a student or parent may have.

To learn more, email info@aiminstitute.org or call 402-979-8324.

2026 AIM TRIO Day at Bellevue University 🎉

UPWARD BOUND: ECONOMIC IMPACT

Successful entry and graduation from college with limited debt: approximately $1.1 million in scholarship offers and free student aid for graduating seniors, resulting in an ROI of $3.60 in scholarship money for every federal dollar received. Increased actual lifetime earning potential over $714,000 per graduate.
Successful entry and graduation from college with limited debt: approximately $1.3 million in scholarship offers and free student aid for graduating seniors. Increased actual lifetime earning potential: $174,000.
Successful entry and graduation from college with limited debt: approximately $1.1 million in scholarship offers and free student aid for graduating seniors, resulting in an ROI of $3.63 in scholarship money for every federal dollar received. Increased actual lifetime earning potential over $800,000 per graduate.
Approximately $400,000 in scholarship offers and free student aide for graduating seniors. Increased technical interest and skills: 83%. Increased actual lifetime earning potential: $347,000.
Successful entry and graduation from college with limited debt: approximately $1.8 million in scholarship offers and free student aid for graduating seniors resulting in an ROI of $5.93 in scholarship money for every federal dollar received. Increased actual lifetime earning potential over $785,000 per graduate.
Successful entry and graduation from college with limited debt: approximately $1.7 million in scholarship offers and free student aid for graduating seniors. Increased actual lifetime earning potential: $148,000.