Who We Are

UC Irvine’s Upward Bound program was established in the 1999-2000 academic year in partnership with the Anaheim Union High School District specifically Anaheim, Katella, and Loara High Schools. Upward Bound provides fundamental support to student participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and, ultimately, in their higher education pursuits. The Upward Bound program serves high school students from: 1) low-income families, and 2) 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. (For more information about the federal Upward Bound program,  click here.)

We strive to:

• Support participants’ diverse academic and non-cognitive needs to ensure they persist, succeed, and graduate from high school
• Contribute to the development of a positive self-image and expand participants’ intellectual, cultural and social growth
• Familiarize participants with college selection, admission requirements and financial aid process
• Assist participants with career exploration, provide an overview of the world of work, and prepare students for career decision-making
• Provide a participant’s parent/guardians with updates and resources to assist in motivating and supporting their student as they prepare to transition into secondary education and beyond

Meet Our Staff

Director
Kimberly Balderrama

Assistant Director
Brandon Ruiz

Math Instructor
Guadalupe Valente