College & Career Exploration

Upward Bound believes that preparing for the future starts now. Our college & career resources are designed to guide students as they discover their passions, set meaningful goals, and take confident steps toward life after high school. From exploring college options and understanding financial aid, to learning about career pathways and connecting with professionals in the field, we provide the tools, support, and experiences students need to make informed decisions and build a bright future.

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Your Future Starts Here

Figuring out which college to attend—or what career to pursue—can be tough. That’s why Upward Bound is here to help. We offer resources and support to help you explore your options and find the path that feels right for your future.

College Campus Visits

Throughout the academic year, Upward Bound scholars have the opportunity to explore colleges and universities across Illinois.

These campus visits give students a first-hand look at college life and help them discover which schools might be the best fit for their academic journey. During each visit, students meet with admissions representatives, ask questions, and experience the unique culture of each campus.

Highlights of our college visits include:

  • Guided campus tours

  • Meetings with TRIO Student Support Services

  • Visits to key campus facilities like dorms, dining halls, and rec centers

  • Student panel Q&As

  • A chance to experience the campus atmosphere—and so much more!

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself"

John Dewey  

   American Philosopher & Psychologist

Career Exploration

Upward Bound doesn’t just prepare students for college—we help them explore careers, too.

Throughout the year, scholars take part in hands-on career exploration activities designed to spark interest, build awareness, and connect academic goals to real-world opportunities. These experiences give students a clearer picture of what different professions are really like and what it takes to get there.

Career exploration opportunities include:

  • Job shadowing with professionals in various fields (Senior Career Experience)

  • Visits to local businesses and organizations

  • Workshops on career readiness, resume building, and interview skills

  • Personality and interest assessments to help identify potential career paths

  • Volunteer opportunities

Pathful

Pathful provides a combination of interactive tools, assessments, and real-world exploration videos to empower students so they can explore diverse career pathways.

Pathful Explore helps support students with:

  • Career Profiles and Individualized Graduation Plans

  • College & career research based on up-to-date data

  • Best-in-class virtual job shadowing videos 

  • Internships, jobs, and work-based learning search

  • Financial aid/scholarship search, e-transcript transfer, college application management (Common App)

Pathful Student Login