MTSU Upward Bound Program

02/11/2026

UB is excited to announce our newly established MTSU Upward Bound Alumni Award, now included in the MTSU University College Awards for the first time this year! 🎉

Any MTSU Upward Bound alum who is currently attending MTSU is eligible to apply. This award recognizes students who have shown resilience, balanced responsibilities, and continued to succeed academically during their college journey.

📌 Award: $500 stipend/scholarship
📌 Open to current MTSU undergraduate students who participated in MTSU Upward Bound

View full details and application requirements here:

The nomination period for the University College Awards’ 2025–2026 academic year is open now through March 9, 2026. These awards recognize outstanding achievement among University College students, faculty, staff and alumni. To nominate an individual for a University College Award, submit the in...

01/07/2026

📣 Newsletter Spotlight! 🎉

We’re excited to share that MTSU Upward Bound is featured in the recent newsletter from our partner, India Prather, Esq. Scholarship Expert of The Art of Scholarships!

India joined our program in November to lead an engaging scholarship session, where she guided our students through the process of searching for scholarships, completing applications, and writing strong, winning scholarship essays. Our participants gained valuable tools and insight that will support them throughout their college journeys.

We’re grateful for this partnership and for the continued support poured into our students.

Thank you, India, for empowering our UB scholars!

12/19/2025

💙 Season of Giving | Thank You, UB Family 🎄

We are incredibly grateful to be able to spread cheer this holiday season in support of Isaiah 117 House. Through a wonderful collaboration with MTSU University College, we were able to contribute $551 in gift cards toward this year’s Christmas project. In addition, thank you to those within MTSU Upward Bound, whose generosity allowed us to contribute $136 in donations to support this meaningful community service effort.

Thank you to our participants, parents, and partners for always embodying the spirit of service and giving. Together, we continue to make a difference in our community. 💙✨

12/07/2025

MTSU Upward Bound staff and participants had a great Saturday session on “Giving Back.” The day was filled with community service and Holiday cheer!!

11/19/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re excited to share that Zayne Bluthardt will represent MTSU Upward Bound for the SAEOPP Pre-College Scholarship! Winners will be announced at the 2026 Annual Conference in February. Congrats, Zayne!

09/17/2025

📢 Attention MTSU Upward Bound Seniors Class of 2026!
We’re excited to share information about MTSU Scholars Academy, a program offered through our Department, Office of Student Success! 🎓
✅ If you apply for Scholars Academy Fall 2026, list that you heard about the program from MTSU Upward Bound! Inquire about the application waiver as a UB participant.
✅ This is a 2-week early arrival program that helps you transition into college successfully.
✅ The program is designed for students, whether you are living on campus, commuting, or transferring.
✅ It’s a great way to get connected, build community, and start your college journey strong.

For more details, visit

The Scholars Academy invites all first-time, first-year students interested in having a smooth transition and acclimation to MTSU. The program is designed to serve all students, with emphasis on the needs of first-generation college students and any student that would benefit from enhanced support,....

09/16/2025

Bedford Co. Upward Bound participants: Tonight, MTSU will start the True Blue tour in Shelbyville. True Blue is a great opportunity to hear from President McPhee, the various department representatives, and have a chance to win a scholarship to MTSU!

All Upward Bound participants: Click this link https://www.mtsu.edu/schedule-a-visit/special-events/ to RSVP for a True Blue location near you. Be sure to stop by our department's Office of Student Success table.

*Congratulations to the counselors at Community HS and Shelbyville Central for winning scholarships for their students to attend MTSU. Shelbyville Central was also awarded additional scholarship monies for the most students to have attended MTSU Fall 2025!

09/13/2025

✨ What an amazing Saturday with our Upward Bound family! ✨

Our participants and their parents/guardians spent the day building their future—diving into **financial literacy** with Ascend Credit Union, exploring opportunities at **MTSU Preview Day**, and preparing for college success during our **FAFSA workshop**. 💰🎓📑

We are so proud of the commitment shown by our students and families as they take these important steps toward higher education! 💙

09/08/2025

"Tomorrow on : a national spotlight on TRIO -- programs that open doors for first-gen and low-income students. Tune in and help amplify why and why we must ."

09/03/2025

📣✨ Upward Bound Saturday Session – September 13th @ MTSU! ✨📣

Get ready for an exciting and powerful Saturday with MTSU Upward Bound! 🎓💙

🚨 Important for Seniors: In preparation for the FAFSA, at least one parent/guardian must attend with their student. This is your chance to get ahead, ask questions, and avoid last-minute stress!

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, set yourself up for success, and experience True Blue pride firsthand.

📌 Parents, mark your calendars. Students, bring your questions and energy. We can’t wait to see you there!

08/22/2025

Attention 11th & 12th grade participants.