Paris Junior College’s Upward Bound program is helping area students prepare for college through academics, campus life, and career development opportunities this summer.
The program serves students ranging from rising high school juniors to recent graduates from Avery, Chisum, Clarksville, Detroit, North Lamar, Paris, Prairiland, and Rivercrest.
During the summer program, participants experience college life firsthand by taking college courses, living in residence halls, exploring career and industry skills, planning for higher education, and completing community service hours that strengthen college and scholarship applications.
Many Upward Bound students also earn dual credit while still in high school, with approximately 60% expected to complete between 24 and 30 college credit hours before finishing the program.
According to Paris Junior College, 92% of the program’s 2026 graduating class plans to attend college this fall, with nearly half choosing Paris Junior College through the Dragon Promise program.
