History and Results

The Upward Bound program at Minnesota State University, Mankato began in 1978 and has been funded every year since then. There are about 900 Upward Bound programs nationwide and about 25 in Minnesota, with most of these serving the Twin Cities area. Ours is the only program serving southcentral Minnesota. The first Upward Bound programs began in the mid-1960s.

Upon their graduation from high school, our students have entered a wide variety of postsecondary institutions in Minnesota and across the country, including Minnesota State University, University of Minnesota, other public and private universities and colleges, community colleges, technical colleges, and business colleges. In addition, many have earned advanced degrees. Our alumni include teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, college professors, business owners, military officers, and commercial pilots among others.