February 2026: Scholar Success, Cohort 9 Recruitment, and a Growing Team

As we step into our ninth year at The Upward Project, we are reminded that our work is both cyclical and cumulative. Each winter, we welcome a new group of aspiring Scholars into our pipeline while simultaneously watching our newest college students find their footing on campus. It is a season that captures the full arc of our mission: from recruitment to persistence to career launch.

This month, we’re excited to share strong early momentum in our search for Cohort 9, celebrate Cohort 8’s impressive first semester and transformative Winter Workshops, and announce an important addition to our team that will deepen the wrap-around support our Scholars receive.

Thank you for being part of the community that makes this growth possible.

Cohort 9: A Historic Recruitment Round

This January, The Upward Project kicked off the search for our newest class of Scholars, Cohort 9!

During our Priority Nomination Period, we received an incredible 93 nominations from high schools and community-based organizations across Boston. Of those nominees, 72 students advanced to Round 1, a 9% increase from last year.

This year’s nominations came from 19 high schools and 10 community-based organizations, including 2 new high schools and 3 new CBO partners, reflecting the strength of our fall recruitment efforts and expanded outreach.

While we anticipate accepting up to 75% of Cohort 9 through the Priority Cycle, we are excited to reopen nominations in mid-to-late March for our Rolling Cycle. We look forward to identifying additional strong candidates, particularly students applying Regular Decision, as we finalize our 9th cohort of Upward Project Scholars!

As we enter our ninth year of The Upward Project, each recruitment cycle reflects the continued growth of our pipeline between college access and success, as well as our commitment to supporting Boston-area students as they transition to and thrive in college and their careers.

Cohort 8: Semester & Winter Workshop Highlights

This fall, our newest Scholars completed their first semester with an average 3.4 GPA, surpassing national first-semester college averages, while balancing rigorous academics, 40+ extracurricular commitments, and major life transitions. Just as importantly, they did it with consistent wrap-around support from The Upward Project, including dedicated advising, program funding, first-generation stipends, and a community committed to showing up when it matters most.

We kicked off the new year by reuniting with Cohort 8 for our Winter Workshops, an intentional two-day experience designed to pause, reflect, and reset after their first semester. Scholars reflected on their college journeys, strengthened college and career success skills, and began preparing for the summer internship search ahead. We also made space for the real ebbs and flows of the first year, sharing wins and challenges, learning alongside a mental health clinician from Activated By Wellness, and reminding one another that no one navigates college alone.

Watching our Scholars enter their second semester with confidence is a powerful testament to the strength of our program. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish this spring and beyond.

We're Hiring!

College & Career Success Advisor

This hiring announcement appeared in the February 2026 newsletter. The priority deadline below was March 20, 2026.

The Upward Project is growing! We are currently seeking a College and Career Success Advisor to support high-achieving, low-income, first-generation college students as they persist through college and launch into competitive careers.

📍 Boston-based (hybrid)

💼 $60K starting salary + strong benefits

📅 Priority deadline: March 20

The Advisor will coach a cohort of first-year Scholars, providing individualized guidance on academic success, career exploration, and access to meaningful professional opportunities. They will play a critical role in delivering the wrap-around support that defines the TUP experience.

If you know a mission-driven professional who would be a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.

If you are interested in connecting with The Upward Project, please fill out our engagement interest form. A member of our team will reach out to you.

Adapted from the original newsletter sent February 27, 2026.