Welcome to Danville Community College's Upward Bound Program!

Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and has been a part of the college since 1999, serving area high school students in grades 9-12. This college-bound program is designed to help low-income and/or first generation students prepare for success in both high school and college. Upward Bound provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performances and ultimately in higher education pursuits. Please check the links for further information on DCC's Upward Bound Program.

Our Mission

Danville Community College's Upward Bound Program serves 50 eligible students in Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia. The targeted areas are populated with an enormous amount of citizens who have less than a high school diploma. The program recruits participants from (8) high schools within the target region, which are Chatham High School; Dan River High School; Gretna High School; Halifax County High School; Tunstall High School; George Washington High School; Langston Focus Center; and The Opportunity School. The program is designed to achieve 7 objectives, which include, but are not limited to, the development of an academic student plan, and a comprehensive plan for evaluating progress in meeting these objectives. The Upward Bound Program at DCC is an intragal part of the life of the college, the community and the participants. From the time the students enroll in the program, they are encouraged to remain with the program while achieving success in their holistic development (academic & personal development) through high school and into their postsecondary experience.

Programs

	- focuses on tutorial services to support the student's college preparatory curriculum.
	- these sessions are held each week ( with the exception of the week leading to the monthly Saturday Session for four (4) hours per week. The tutorial schedule is established at the beginning of the academic year by the tutorial staff and the participants at each school.
	- students are bought to DCC's campus once per month for a Saturday session, which includes tutorial sessions in core classes (Math, English, Science and Foreign Language) and a motivational speaker hour. Lunch is provided during this meeting.
	- this is a six-week intensive program that gives participants an excellent model of collegiate life on a college campus. Averett University in Danville, VA hosts our programs during the Summer Institute, and student live and dine on campus. Students not only enhance their academic skills, but also build bonds with their fellow program participants through social and recreational events. At the conclusion of the Summer Institute, students are rewarded with a summer trip to sites anywhere in the United States.
	- this program is an extension of regular Upward Bound services. The program is an instrument to ease the transition from high school to college. The Bridge Program is offered to Upward Bound graduating seniors who are enrolled in college for the fall semester of their graduating year. Bridge students are offered two transferable college courses for three credit hours each. Students are eligible for the same services as regular Upward Bound students. Student may live on campus or commute to class. While class schedules vary, Bridge students may attend as many cultural activities as feasible. A stipend is allotted to each Bridge student as long as the student is making academic progress in his or her classes. Upward Bound pays all expenses, tuition, travel, room and board for participants while attending the Summer Bridge Program. Students considering the Bridge Program need to understand certain requirements are necessary. Students need to attend both sessions. If a student withdrawals from the summer class, or drops out of the program, they will be responsible for the tuition of the class(es). Bridge students must complete the Summer Bridge Program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale. Grades will be recorded on a permanent college transcript.
	- the program's primary focus (academic and counseling services) is reinforced through activities and field trips. Cultural events, plays, museums, historical landmarks, and colleges expose the participants to areas of opportunities and treasures of knowledge that are at their fingertips. Trips are taken throughout the academic year as well as the summer.

Upward Bound Information

Interested students should secure an Upward Bound application from either their high school's Guidance Office or contact the Upward Bound office located at Danville Community College in Danville, VA. Forward your application along with your counselor & teacher recommendations and high school transcripts to the Upward Bound office. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Upward Bound office at the numbers listed below.

Office Telephone Number: 434.797.8562
FAX Number: 434.797.8543
Postal address: Danville Community College's Upward Bound Program
1008 South Main Street; Danville, VA 24541
Electronic mail: Mark T. Gibson
Director
434-797-8482
mgibson@dcc.vccs.edu
: Robin Dabney
Educational Support Specialist
434-797-8478
rdabney@dcc.vccs.edu

Michele Sims
Administrative and Program Specialist II
434-797-8562
msims@dcc.vccs.edu

Danville Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities.