Upward Bound Math-Science Academy

Are you a Canton City Schools high school student interested in continuing your education after graduation? Are you interested in a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics? The Upward Bound Math-Science Academy (UBMS) helps you take the next educational step by boosting your academic preparation, supporting career exploration and providing access to college resources. 

What’s UBMS? 

The UBMS Academy is a free federal TRiO program that helps disadvantaged students prepare for and begin post-secondary education. The academy provides a helping hand to 50 students each year with – right through high school graduation. The academy provides access to academic support, pre-college advising, test preparation, co-curricular activities and enrichment so participating students are ready to succeed in educational pursuits beyond high school. 

Program services are available at no cost to eligible participants. The UBMS Academy is a federal TRiO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Post-secondary Education. 

What do students gain by participating in UBMS?

• Experience in college laboratories conducting scientific research. 
• Assistance preparing for OGT/ACT/SAT exams. 
• Fee waivers and help applying to colleges. 
• Leadership development and cultural enrichment. 
• Exposure to cultural events and community service opportunities. 
• College tours and campus visitation days. 
• Financial aid counseling and scholarship search assistance. 
• Professional mentoring and career exploration. 

How are UBMS services delivered? 

UBMS students receive services during all four years of high school, then stay in contact with the program as a UBMS TRiO alumni. Students are required to participate in year-round college readiness services including: 

Academic year component (September-May)

• Weekly, after-school College Connection study groups. 
• Monthly workshops (one Saturday per month). 
• College tours and campus visits. 
• Standardized test preparation. 
• Field trips, cultural outings and leadership training. 
• Intensive senior-year application and financial aid application assistance. 

Summer academy (six weeks)

• Non-residential, day program at Stark State (Monday-Friday). 
• Engineering and allied health laboratories. 
• Technology, mathematics and language instruction. 
• Hands-on, interesting courses designed specifically for high school learners.

UBMS eligibility requirements 

A student from the Canton City Schools is eligible if they: 

• Are a citizen or national of the United States or meet the residency requirements for federal student financial assistance. 
• Meet one or both of the federal guidelines: 
  • Low-income (meets family low-income guidelines as established by the U.S. Department of Education). 
  • First-generation college-bound student (neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree at the time of program enrollment). 
• Are a ninth or tenth grader with academic need and a desire to attend college. 
• Have demonstrated an academic and/or social need for the program.

UBMS accepts students who:

• Possess the ability and desire to pursue education after high school. 
• Attend school regularly as evidenced by official attendance records. 
• Have a positive attitude and an outlook toward learning. 
• Embrace structured learning environments and display a respect for authority as evidenced by school behavior records and a personal interview. 
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). 
• Are committed to completing a rigorous, college-preparatory high school curriculum.

Program application and enrollment

The application process for UBMS follows three important steps:

1. Students complete the preliminary application. 
2. Parents and students receive more detailed information about the program and a full application package (income verification from parent(s)/guardians required). 
3. Students and their parents visit the UBMS office for a student/parent interview and take the academy entrance exam.

UBMS expects program participants to: 

• Enroll in challenging, college-preparatory high school classes. 
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall and quarterly grade point average. 
• Attend all UBMS Saturday sessions, special programs and after-school activities (absences for school-related and co-curricular activities are excused with an extracurricular excuse form on file). 
• Register to take the PSAT at their designated school during the tenth and eleventh grade. 
• Take EXPLORE, PLAN and ACT exams as scheduled. 
• Meet individually with an academic advisor each grading period to set goals. 
• Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during senior year. 
• Apply to a minimum of three colleges or universities during the fall of senior year. 
• Enroll in a program of post-secondary education immediately following high school graduation. 
• Graduate from college or university with a baccalaureate degree.