Sonoma State University
photo of participants in ub pattern

Pre-Collegiate Programs

Community Access to Higher Education

Upward Bound Piner

Purpose

To provide first-generation college-bound students with academic readiness and resources necessary to access and graduate from a four-year college or university.  

Overview

Upward Bound Piner (UBP) is a federally funded TRIO program. UBP serves students attending Piner High School.

Student Requirements

  • Participate in the program throughout four years of high school.
  • Attend a six-week Summer Academy at SSU or SRJC (determined by your Upward Bound Program).
  • Enroll in the following A-G college preparatory high school classes: English, 4 years; Mathematics, 3+ years; Science with Lab, 2+ years; Foreign Language, 2+ years; Social Science, 2 years; Visual and Performing Arts, 1 year; College Prep elective, 1 year.
  • Maintain good academic standing in all classes.

Parent/Guardian Requirements

  • Attend parent workshops designed to provide support and understanding of the educational process.
  • Attend program orientations and awards ceremonies.

Academic Year Services

  • Academic advising and guidance.
  • Assistance for juniors and seniors regarding college applications, financial aid, and preparation for the SAT/ACT college entrance examinations
  • Social, cultural, and educational field trips to northern/southern California and other exciting places. 
  • Awards Ceremony where students' achievements are recognized.
  • Access to classroom-based curriculum and support.
  • Access to virtual tutoring in academic subjects.
  • College tours to four-year colleges and universities in California such as University of California-Los Angeles, Stanford University, University of California-Davis, California Polytechnic Institute, and St. Mary's College.

Summer Session Services

  • A six-week Summer Academy at SSU or SRJC. 
  • Classes are designed to give students a head-start for the upcoming year, thus providing an academic advantage. 
  • Classes meet Monday-Thursday; field trips or community service activities are conducted on Fridays.
  • Classes offered by Upward Bound Programs meeting at SSU includes library access.
  • Access to dual enrollment classes at SRJC, as well as campus resources including library, tutoring, and other facilities.
  • Academic needs assessment.
  • Access to SSU's library, computer center, and recreation facilities.
  • Field trips and social/cultural/educational activities.
  • ACT and SAT Workshops.
  • College tours.