Programs
what we offer students
What we offer
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a college preparation program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Upward Bound Math & Science
The UBMS program is designed to assist participants who are interested in attending college and majoring in the fields of math, science, and engineering.
Talent Search
Talent Search is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Talent Search is a supportive program that identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
TRiO Application
TRiO Application for Upward Bound and Talent Search student programs.
Educational Opportunity Centers
The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides information regarding financial and academic assistance.
Upward Bound
What is Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is a college preparation program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Upward Bound is a supportive program that identifies, motivates and prepares eligible students to complete high school, enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education. Students who complete the Upward Bound program have a higher graduation rate from college when compared to students who do not participate in Upward Bound.
Academic Year (September through May)
During the academic year, you will be responsible for attending monthly meetings. The meetings will be designed to improve your appreciation for learning while increasing your academic knowledge and skills in areas of math, science, English and ACT/SAT preparation. Free tutoring will also be provided to assist students in academic areas where they might be experiencing difficulties. You will be setting personal, academic and career goals that include planning for college, study skills development, test preparation, and career exploration. Opportunities to visit college campuses, participate in cultural activities and field trips, and attend special events will also be a part of your academic year experience.
What does it cost to join Upward Bound?
Upward Bound is FREE of cost. This includes but is not limited to tutoring sessions, classroom instruction, college visits and trips. A small stipend check will also be given to each student on a regular basis. Criteria for receiving the stipend are full participation in all Upward Bound activities and good standing within the program.
Download TRiO Application
Print and submit TRiO Application by mail or fax to:
Family Centered Educational Agency, Inc.
16241 Wausau Avenue South Holland, IL 60473
Fax: (708) 210-1866
What commitments must I make?
You should be willing to actively participate in both the academic year and summer component of the Upward Bound program graduation from high school.
Summer Program (June through July)
The non-residential program is an academically intensive six-week program that will provide you with unique opportunities to experience a wide range of educational, personal development, and social activities. You attend classes in Science, English, Math, Foreign Language and other exciting subjects at a selected University Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, you will go on a cultural field trip. You will also attend an exciting college tour trip during the last week of the summer program visiting colleges and universities out of the state.
How can I become eligible to participate in Upward Bound?
- A desire to attend a college or university and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make this dream come true;
- A definable academic or personal development need for the program (i.e. a challenging academic environment, tutoring, career exploration, study skills, goal setting, motivation and encouragement);
- Classification as a high school freshman (9th), sophomore (10th), or junior (11th).
- The willingness to make a long-term commitment to the program. You are expected to remain involved until your graduation from high school;
- Demonstration of high academic ability and/or potential;
- Completion of Algebra I or the intention to complete Algebra I by the end of your 9th-grade year;
- Ability to secure transportation to all required academic year Saturday sessions and summer sessions at FCEA (Upward Bound will do as much as possible to help organize carpools, etc.);
- You MUST meet at least one of the two criteria below to be eligible for membership:
- Be a potential first generation college student. A student is considered first generation if neither parent or guardian with whom the student lives has not completed a four year college degree;
- The student’s family meets the federal income guidelines. The guidelines look at both the “taxable income” (Line 10 on the IRS 1040) of the parent/guardian that the student currently lives with, and the number of people in the household. Any student applicant that is currently in foster care is automatically income eligible.
EDMENTUM™ Exact Path
An online learning program which targets each learner’s academic strengths and needs to prescribe a custom playlist of lessons and activities.
Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS)
What is UBMS?
The UBMS program is designed to assist participants who are interested in attending college and majoring in the fields of math, science, and engineering. The project provides the skills and motivation to complete a program of secondary education and succeed in a program of postsecondary education.
Talent Search
What is Talent Search?
Talent Search is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Talent Search is a supportive program that identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. Students who complete the Talent Search program have a higher graduation rate from college when compared to students who do not participate in Talent Search.
What does it cost to join Talent Search?
Talent Search is FREE of cost. This includes but is not limited to: tutoring sessions, classroom instruction, college visits and trips.
Download TRiO Application
Print and submit TRiO Application by mail or fax to:
Family Centered Educational Agency, Inc.
16241 Wausau Avenue South Holland, IL 60473
Fax: (708) 210-1866
Academic Year
During the academic year, meetings will be designed to improve your appreciation of learning while increasing your academic knowledge and skills in the areas of math, science, English, and ACT/SAT preparation. Free tutoring will also be provided to assist you in academic areas where you might be experiencing difficulties. You will begin setting personal, academic and career goals that include planning for college, study skills development, test preparation, and career exploration. Opportunities to visit college campuses, participate in cultural activities and field trips, and attend special events are also a part of your academic year experience.
How can I become eligible to participate?
The non-residential program is an academically intensive six-week program that will provide you with unique opportunities to experience a wide range of educational, personal development, and social activities. You attend classes in Science, English, Math, Foreign Language and other exciting subjects at a selected University Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, you will go on a cultural field trip. You will also attend an exciting college tour trip during the last week of the summer program visiting colleges and universities out of the state.
EDMENTUM™ Exact Path
An online learning program which targets each learner’s academic strengths and needs to prescribe a custom playlist of lessons and activities.
TRiO Application
Educational Opportunity Centers
What is EOC?
What does it cost to join EOC?
EOC is FREE of cost. This includes but is not limited to: tutoring sessions, college admissions help, classroom instruction, college visits and trips.
How can I become eligible to participate in the EOC program?
An individual is eligible to participate in an Educational Opportunity Centers project if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
- Is a citizen or national of the United States;
- Is a permanent resident of the United States;
- Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident;
- Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau); or
- Is at least 19 years of age; or
- Expresses a desire to enroll, or is enrolled, in a program of postsecondary education, and requests information or assistance in applying for admission to, or financial aid for, such a program.
- A United States Veteran
What can the EOC program do for me?
We provide support on every level to help you improve your situation and land a better job. We also provide:
- Connections to FREE job training
- FREE Money for Training
- Connections to GED Programs
- Connections to Tutors
- Trauma Information
- Connections to Resources