Upward Bound Vision Quest

Program Overview 

We turn 55 this year! The TRIO Upward Bound Vision Quest (UBVQ) is a college access program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by the University of Minnesota Duluth. TRIO UBVQ currently serves 135 students in grades 9 ­- 12 in Minneapolis and Duluth public schools. We are designed to meet the academic and motivational needs of high school students who are from low-income families and/or are potentially the first generation of their family to receive a bachelor's degree and who want to go to college.

If you are a student at Denfeld High School in Duluth, or at Edison, Roosevelt, South, or Wellstone International High Schools in Minneapolis; and are interested in the Upward Bound Vision Quest program, please find the academic advisor based at your school for more information, or How to Apply page. Visit our About Us page for staff and program contact information.

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Services Offered

Academic Year

The core of the academic year program is the services provided through our academic advisors, who are based at each school. Advisors work one-on-one with students during weekly check-ins to help them set goals, get the academic assistance they may need, review grades and explore college options, among many other things. We offer:

  • Academic and college planning
  • Tutoring
  • Monthly College Readiness Day workshops 
  • Assistance with college, scholarship, and financial aid applications
  • College entrance exam preparation
  • College visits
  • Cultural and community service field trips
  • Stipends based on program participation

Summer Program

The six-week residential Summer Program is the heart of Upward Bound Vision Quest, providing students with the experience of living and taking classes on a college campus while also offering opportunities to learn other important skills. The summer program takes place on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.

Student Expectations

Upward Bound Vision Quest program staff members work hard to help ensure the success of all students. The programs and services we offer through our academic year and summer programs provide excellent opportunities for students to excel in high school and prepare for college. However, we cannot do the job without the hard work of the students; all of our students are required to adhere to the following expectations. We will work with students to help them meet these expectations, but students are ultimately responsible for ensuring their own success.

Upward Bound Vision Quest expects students to:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Take a rigorous course of study (including at least one year of a language other than English).
  • Attend weekly advising meetings to review academic goals and check academic progress.
  • Attend monthly College Readiness Days and optional events.
  • Attend residential summer program.
  • Graduate on time.
  • Enroll in college the fall following high school graduation.

Curriculum

The curriculum is being updated and will be available soon.