Welcome to Brandeis Upward Bound

Empowering Futures, Building Community

At Brandeis Upward Bound, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. Our mission is to empower first-generation and income eligible students at Waltham High School to reach their full potential through academic enrichment, mentorship, and college preparatory programs.

About Us

In August 2022, Brandeis University was awarded federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support the creation of the Upward Bound program. In partnership with Waltham High School, Upward Bound serves 60 high school students from income-eligible families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

We are committed to breaking down barriers to higher education and creating opportunities for success. We provide comprehensive support helping students navigate the challenges of high school and prepare for post-secondary education.

Did You Know?

Two students smile and hold small sculptures.

Nationwide, more than 80,000 students take part in an Upward Bound program, which is part of a family of federal college-access programs known as TRIO. Graduates of Upward Bound include Oscar nominee Viola Davis and Hall of Fame NBA player Patrick Ewing. In Massachusetts, Upward Bound programs exist across the state at institutions including UMass Boston, Boston University, Suffolk University and Salem State University.