Upward Bound
Aloha! Welcome to Windward Community College Upward Bound Program!
Upward Bound is a 100% federally-funded program with an annual budget of $270,375 which helps current high school students who are enrolled at either Castle, Kailua, or Kahuku High School; first-generation (parents don’t have a 4-year degree), and/or qualify for free lunch. This program identifies, motivates and prepares eligible students to complete high school, enroll in, and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. For inquiries, please contact Program Director Alysa Tomasa or Guidance Advisor Kayleen Sur.
Services
- Academic Advising
- College & Career Planning
- Workshops on College, Career, Financial Aid, Study Skills, etc.
- Cultural & Educational Field Trips
- College Campus Tours
- ACT/SAT Preparations
- Opportunity to Earn Free College Credit
Academic Year (August through May):
During the academic year, students are responsible for attending school visits at their respective high schools and monthly Saturday Academies here at Windward Community College. During school visits and Saturday Academies, students begin setting personal, academic, and career goals that include planning for college, study skills, test preparations, and career exploration. Students also have the opportunity to increase their knowledge in math, science, English, and standardized testing such as the ACT and SAT.
6 Week Summer Residential Program (June through July):
The summer component is what makes Upward Bound so memorable! The summer program is an academically intensive six-week program that provides unique opportunities to experience a wide range of educational, personal development, and social activities. Typically, the first two weeks are non-residential and the last four weeks are residential (students stay overnight at residence halls). During the day, students attend classes in science, English, math, a foreign language, and other enrichment courses. Students who are eligible will be enrolled in the summer college credit courses that will be offered specifically to Upward Bound students. On Fridays, students will go on fun academic field trips ranging from college tours, hike, beaches, cultural activities, etc. Students also develop long-lasting relationships with other students from the Windward District.
Eligibility
- A desire to attend college and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make this dream come true
- Classification as a rising 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student.
- The willingness to make a long-term commitment to the program. You are expected to remain involved until your graduation from high school;
- Demonstration of high academic ability and/or potential (minimum 2.8 GPA) to be considered for college credit courses;
- Completion of Algebra I or the intention to complete Algebra I by the end of your 9th grade year;
- Ability to secure transportation to all required academic year Saturday sessions and summer sessions at Windward Community College;
- You MUST meet at least one of the two criteria below to be eligible for membership:
- Be a potential first-generation college student. A student is considered first generation if neither parent has completed a four-year college degree;
- The student’s family meets low-income federal guidelines. The guidelines consider the “taxable income” of the parent/guardian that the student currently lives with, and the number of people in the household. View the low-income federal guidelines on the Department of Education website.
Note: Any student applicant that is currently in foster care is automatically eligible for Upward Bound
Staff
Staff is available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Email works best for all staff members.
Program Director: Alysa Tomasa
Email: alysai@hawaii.edu
Phone #: 808-235-7488
Student Support Specialist: Jared Acopan
Email: jacopan@hawaii.edu
Phone: 808-235-7486
Hale ‘Ākoakoa 203
Important Links
Online Program Application Form