Upward Bound for English Language Learners (UBELLs)

The program focuses on participants' academic success in high school and ultimately assists them in their higher-education pursuits. The goal of UBELLs is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions.

UBELLs​ at NJIT specifically serves low-income and first-generation college-bound English-language learners at two Newark high schools: Barringer High School and East Side High School. The courses offered through UBELLs focus on both English-language proficiency and broad academic knowledge.

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRiO program. For more information about TRiO programs please visit the U.S. Department of Education. 

Services and programs offered through Upward Bound for English Language Learners (UBELLs):

   • Saturday and academic-year classes at the NJIT campus in computers, science, math, English and Spanish   
   • Tutoring program
   • Leadership training activities
   • Cultural field trips
   • Mentoring activities
   • Counseling and academic advisement
   • Career orientation
   • College preparation and financial-aid workshops
   • Rigorous six-week summer academic program at the NJIT campus in computers, science, math, English and Spanish 
   • Social activities
   • Health and fitness activities  

How Do I Qualify?

Students who have completed 8th grade but have not entered the 12th grade are eligible to apply and are selected on the basis of a combination of the following criteria:

   • Participation in the bilingual and/or ESL program at target high schools
   • Minimum GPA of 2.0
   • Teacher/counselor recommendations
   • Low-income and/or first-generation college student
   • Desire to pursue higher education

Program Cost

It is entirely free. Students are provided with books, instructional supplies, field trips, meals, and public transportation tickets at no cost.

Target Schools

The Upward Bound for English Language Learners (UBELLs) Program at NJIT recruits students from the following Newark public schools:    

   • Barringer High School
   • East Side High School