Director's Welcome

Dear Prospective Upward Bounder,

Welcome to the College of Charleston Upward Bound program website! We are excited that you are taking steps towards investing in your future and the pursuit of a postsecondary education. Upward Bound has been empowering students from the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties Public School Systems for over 35 years. We hope that you will strongly consider applying to Upward Bound and allow us the opportunity to assist you in “laying the foundation that leads to success.”

Our outstanding students have bright futures and we creatively nurture them with academic, cultural, social and personal development support. Upward Bound is the conduit that transforms educational opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. We have partnered with our college and local communities to ensure access to academic advising, career counseling, financial aid assistance, local theatre productions, leadership development opportunities and civic engagement. Upward Bound is helping to remove the barriers to higher education for first-generation college and low- income students by breaking the cycle of poverty permanently and expanding inclusion into the American Dream.

We serve 82 students who will become our future accountants, educators, doctors, lawyers, computer designers, scientists, engineers and other professionals. Our staff is committed to providing a nurturing, safe and caring environment to ensure that each student is provided with a quality opportunity in education regardless of race or ethnic background. We are closing the achievement gap and invite you to join our family of TRIO achievers.

Leroy Lewis, Jr.

Director, Upward Bound