Upward Bound is under the umbrella of TRiO Programs, established when Congress passed the Higher Education Act of 1965. Project Upward Bound has been in place at Truman State University since 1966 and annually serves 85 students in fourteen northeast area high schools. Its mission is to provide academic, social, cultural, and career enrichment that prepares students to succeed in higher education.

During the summer session, Project participants live on the beautiful campus of Truman State University. They are involved in an intensive program of study in composition and literature, mathematics, laboratory science, foreign language, performing arts, computer applications, and guidance. Evenings feature structured social and cultural activities; and Wednesday mornings are reserved for an intensive ACT prep course.

During the academic year, participants receive academic, social, career, and cultural enrichment. Tutorial services are provided in target school centers on a weekly basis.

Organizationally, Upward Bound is located under the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Truman State University. Currently, UB is one of two TRiO Programs at the institution.