The Academic Year Program is an important component of the Upward Bound experience. Throughout the school year, one of four staff members is assigned to each participating school as an academic year counselor (AYC). The AYC goes to the school one day a week to meet with each Upward Bound student to discuss academic and personal aspects of their lives.

In addition, the AYC assists the students with college planning, the college application, and financial aid processes. Each fall the students are brought on college visits. Also, as part of this experience, the students are required to attend workshops (Bridge, senior, junior, and freshman-sophomore workshops). These workshops are emphasizing the college selection process. Staff members supervise the workshop, assisting in the college research and the completion of forms. At the end of the workshop, the students are required to evaluate their own performance as well as what they learned. They are also given a chance to suggest ways to improve the weekend in following years.

The Bound Sound is a newsletter that is sent to each participant indicating important dates and events, student accomplishments throughout the school year, former Bridge student information, and news updates. This newsletter also keeps the parents informed of program events and the successes of Upward Bound students.