College Prep Program

Announcement

On May 29, 2025, Montgomery County Community College was officially notified by the U.S. Department of Education that funding for the TRIO Upward Bound program was discontinued, effective May 31, 2025. As a result, the College can no longer operate the TRIO Upward Bound program, including the Summer Academy. If you are interested in exploring our Dual Enrollment high school courses, visit mc3.edu/DE. If you have additional questions about Upward Bound, please contact us at [email protected].

If you're a rising high school freshman or a current high school student at Norristown Area High School or Pottstown Senior High School, you may be eligible to participate in Upward Bound. This free college preparatory program helps you develop the skills, study habits, discipline and attitude necessary to be successful in high school and college. The sessions include:

• Academic advising
• A stipend for each event attended (only distributed to active participants)
• Courses in career readiness, English, science and math
• Financial aid and opportunities to take free college courses
• Social hangouts
• Tutoring
• College and museum tours
• Free meals at events

To be eligible, new applicants must:

• Be entering ninth through eleventh grade at Norristown Area High School or Pottstown Senior High School in fall;
• Meet family income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Education;
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
• Show a sincere desire to improve academically;
• Demonstrate strong interest in and potential for succeeding in college;
• Be willing to participate in all Upward Bound activities
• Be open to new cultural, social, educational and recreational experiences.

To learn more about the program or to set up an appointment, email Upward Bound Director, Ceri Marino at [email protected].

Summer Academy

All Upward Bound participants are expected to attend our 6-week Summer Academy. You receive free meals each day and a stipend of up to $100 based on your attendance. There's also some fun summer swag!

The Summer Academy is open to current and rising ninth through eleventh-grade students. You will need access to Wifi and a computer to participate.

New and current students need to complete the Summer Academy application during the spring semester after registering for classes.