Become a Scholar
To apply to The Upward Project, you must be nominated by a school counselor or college access provider.
Nominations open January 4, 2027. Priority nominations are due February 5th.
Fall 2026 Information Sessions
Join a 45-minute virtual session about TUP and the application process. All times are Eastern.
For School Counselors and College Access Providers
Nov 20
Friday at 11:30 a.m.
Register →
Dec 10
Thursday at 2 p.m.
Register →
For Students
What to Expect from TUP
Participation in The Upward Project requires consistent, active engagement, much like adding an additional class to your schedule. Our Scholars attend workshops, complete assignments, and participate in mentorship and career-focused programming throughout their four years of college.
Who We’re Looking For
The Upward Project is a competitive, high-impact program designed for students who are ready to challenge themselves and fully invest in their futures.
Successful Upward Project Scholars demonstrate the following qualities:
Stay on top of tasks, follow through, and meet deadlines.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and speaking.
Take feedback in stride and use it to grow.
Take responsibility for their actions.
Push through challenges, both in and out of the classroom.
Know when to ask for help and use available resources.
Actively participate, learn, and take initiative in their community.
Student Eligibility
To be an Upward Project Scholar, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a high-achieving high school student.
Come from a low-income household.
Be a first-generation college student in the US.
Be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or lawful permanent resident.
If you’re unsure whether you meet this requirement, ask your school counselor or college access provider to help you confirm your eligibility.Live in the Greater Boston area within a commutable distance to downtown Boston.
Not already be part of an organization with duplicative college and career success advising, including Thrive, Posse, and Minds Matter.
Be available for in-person summer programming in Downtown Boston: orientation on June 9, 2027, and the Summer Intensive on June 14–17, June 21–25, and June 28. There is no programming on June 18 or weekends.
Plan to enroll at a four-year college or university in the fall after high school graduation with strong financial aid support.
Application Process and Priority Dates
Dates below are for the 2027 priority cycle. All submission deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
1. Nominations
January 4 to February 5, 2027
Talk with your school counselor or college access provider about a nomination. They will submit basic information about you through the nomination page. TUP will contact you and your nominator if you’re invited to apply.
2. Round One
Student and nominator materials due February 12. Round One decisions shared by February 19.
During Round One, you’ll be asked to share your college plans and career goals and explain why you’re interested in TUP. You’ll also submit:
Your college list
Your college essay
Your FAFSA Submission Summary, including your Student Aid Index (SAI)
Your resume
SAT scores, if you choose to include them
Your nominator will submit your transcript, high school profile, counselor and teacher recommendations from your college applications, and a Student Strength & Growth Assessment.
3. Round Two
Materials due March 3.
If you’re invited to Round Two, you’ll be asked to share more about yourself, your community, and your experiences through written and video responses. You’ll also provide your summer plans to confirm availability for TUP programming.
4. Finalist Interviews
Week of March 8.
If you’re selected for an interview, you’ll meet with TUP advisors to discuss your college plans and goals and share more about yourself.
5. Decision
Decisions shared by the end of the day on March 19.
Rolling Consideration Begins March 15
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in mid-March until all spots have been filled for our tenth cohort. This includes nominations submitted after February 5 and priority applications with Round One or Round Two materials still missing at the deadline.
Best Practices for a Strong Application
We want to get to know each prospective Scholar in depth. The application process is designed to give students the chance to be creative, share their stories, and highlight their aspirations.
Below are some tips for the application process:
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Our application process is meant to help us get to know you deeply, and that takes time. Starting early gives you space to reflect on your experiences, craft thoughtful responses, and gather all the necessary materials without feeling rushed as you continue through your senior year of high school. Students who plan ahead often submit stronger applications and feel more confident throughout the process.
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The process of becoming a TUP Scholar begins with a nomination from a school counselor or college access provider. Schedule time to talk with them about why you’re interested in The Upward Project, your goals for college and beyond, and how they can best support your nomination.
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We are excited to work with Scholars who have thoughtful (even if not concrete) ideas about their future career path. Think critically about the kinds of colleges and majors you’re considering, what excites you academically, and the careers or fields you hope to explore. Your application is stronger when it shows clarity of purpose, even if that purpose is still evolving.
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The Upward Project is more than a career-readiness program. It’s a community that requires active participation, and we want to know that you are excited to be a part of it. We encourage you to explore our website, follow our social media, and attend information sessions or in-person events that will allow you to get to know more about our program. You will have a stronger application if you know why you’re interested in The Upward Project!
Hear from a Scholar
“The Upward Project has been incredibly valuable to me this semester as a source of counsel and guidance throughout whatever college has thrown at me. Through The Upward Project’s help, via check-ins, advice, and genuine care, I was able to find success in areas that I might not have reached on my own. TUP really has been a lifeline for me throughout my college experience, and I struggle to imagine how people go through college without a program like The Upward Project.”
TUP Scholar, Cohort 7
QUESTIONS?
Email applications@theupwardproject.org with questions or to arrange an information session at your school for eight or more juniors and seniors.