The Upward Bound program prepares high school students for success in high school and enrollment in college. Upward Bound provides academic, counseling, social, and recreational activities designed to build the academic skills, motivation, and self-confidence necessary for success in college. This program is based on the campus of Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire, and has been in operation since 1974.

Upward Bound serves approximately 65 students from high schools in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire.

Funding for Upward Bound is provided by the United States Department of Education. Therefore, Upward Bound programs are free of charge to students from low-income families. Ninety-four percent of current Keene State Upward Bounders are potential first generation college students, which means neither parent has a Bachelor's degree.

Upward Bound is a close-knit community of people with the common desire to pursue higher education. At Upward Bound, these people live, work, and learn together in an atmosphere that is very supportive and dedicated to producing freethinking individuals.

In 2006, 63 students attended the Upward Bound Summer Program, seven of whom were Bridge (enrolled to be college students in the fall). In addition, 16 live-in staff, four live-out staff, two live-out administrators, and one live-in administrator helped guide the students through activities and classes.