Adams State University Upward Bound

Adams State University Upward Bound ASU serves the following High Schools: Alamosa, Antonito, Centauri, Centennial, Center, Del Norte, Monte Vista, Sangre de Cristo, Sierra Grande

Upward Bound projects provide academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓We are proud to highlight Upward Bound alum Hiliana Baroz (Centauri High School Class o...
10/01/2026

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓

We are proud to highlight Upward Bound alum Hiliana Baroz (Centauri High School Class of 2025)!

For Hiliana, growing up in Alamosa meant seeing oral healthcare as deeply personal. Inspired by her great-uncle, who was a dentist, and her aunt, a dental hygienist, Hiliana grew up listening to stories about the direct impact they made in their patients’ lives. Those stories stayed with her and helped her imagine a future she could step into herself.

Despite coming from a family of dental professionals, Hiliana is the first in her immediate family to go to college. She pursued her dream at the University of Colorado Denver to become a dental hygienist—a journey supported by a transformative scholarship from the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) and the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. This partnership was created to address the sharp health disparities and shortage of dental professionals in rural Colorado, where over 3 in 10 San Luis Valley residents report fair or poor oral health. As Hiliana shared, “I don’t know where I would’ve ended up if I didn’t get the LAEF Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation scholarship.

Now, as she prepares to graduate, Hiliana is ready to bring her talents back home to fill a critical need in local healthcare and inspire her two younger siblings, who are also interested in pursuing dental careers.

A MESSAGE FOR OUR CURRENT STUDENTS & ALUMNI: Hiliana’s journey is a powerful reminder to always be on the lookout for local San Luis Valley scholarships! Organizations like LAEF and Delta Dental are actively investing in local Valley students who want to build their futures, gain new experiences, and give back to our community. Keep an eye out, ask questions, and apply. The support is out there for you!

WANT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT? Current students and alumni, we want to share your success!

➡️ Fill out the link in our bio (“Share Your Success”)

➡️ Or DM us your photo and details directly!

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓We are excited to highlight Jose Villagomez (UB Alum, Center High School Class of 2020)...
09/18/2026

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓

We are excited to highlight Jose Villagomez (UB Alum, Center High School Class of 2020)!

During his time in Upward Bound, Jose was awarded the Director’s Award in recognition of his growth and commitment. As a first-generation student, he relied on Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) to bridge the gap between high school and college, building the foundation he needed to succeed. That momentum carried him forward at Adams State University, where he served as Student Body President and as a founding voice in student media.

In a powerful full-circle moment, Jose later had the opportunity to serve as the Interim Assistant Director for Upward Bound, giving back directly to the program that first invested in him. Today, Jose continues to advocate for students as the Coordinator of Co-Curricular Recreation and Engagement at Adams State, while pursuing a Master’s in Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education at UCCS.

In Jose’s words: “I was once the first-generation student sitting in an Upward Bound classroom, unsure of what college — or my future — could even look like. That program didn’t just prepare me academically; it showed me I belonged in spaces I never imagined for myself. Years later, I had the honor of coming back to serve that same program as Interim Assistant Director, and it reminded me that TRIO isn’t just about getting students to college — it’s about building a family that keeps showing up for each other, long after the program ends.”

📲 WANT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT? Current students and alumni, we want to share your success!

➡️ Fill out the link in our bio (“Share Your Success”)

➡️ Or DM us your photo and details directly!

🚨 ATTENDANCE REQUIRED FOR SENIORS 🚨 Please bring the following documents: SSN, correct date of birth, physical address, ...
09/09/2026

🚨 ATTENDANCE REQUIRED FOR SENIORS 🚨 Please bring the following documents: SSN, correct date of birth, physical address, mailing address, parent tax information, and the schools students will be applying to.
If you have any scholarship essays please have access to those as well.
Lunch will be provided following the workshop.

🎓UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓We are excited to highlight Azia Rae DeHerrera-Valdez (UBAlumnus, Center High School Cla...
09/07/2026

🎓UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓

We are excited to highlight Azia Rae DeHerrera-Valdez (UBAlumnus, Center High School Class of 2021)

Azia fast-tracked her college education at Western Colorado University, graduating in May 2024 in just three years with Cum Laude honors and a 3.7 GPA. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance, double minored in Accounting and Political Science, and participated in the Honors Program.

Throughout her college journey, Azia Rae balanced two jobs every semester while taking summer courses. She worked in Western’s Financial Aid office for two years before becoming a TA in an infant room at a local daycare. She also served as a Supplemental Instruction tutor for Managerial Finance, leading study sessions to help fellow students master complex course material.

After college, she gained valuable experience as a Receiving Supervisor for Burlington and earned her Property & Casualty Insurance license while working as an insurance agent in Grand Junction. Today, she is back home in Center, applying her expertise in the accounting office at Skyline Potato!

Azia’s incredible work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence show exactly what Upward Bound alumni are capable of!

WANT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT? Current students and alumni, we want to share your success!

➡️ Fill out the link in our bio (“Share Your Success”)

➡️ Or DM us your photo and details directly!

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓We are excited to highlight Azia Rae DeHerrera-Valdez (UBAlumnus, Center High School Cl...
09/04/2026

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓

We are excited to highlight Azia Rae DeHerrera-Valdez (UBAlumnus, Center High School Class of 2021)

Azia fast-tracked her college education at Western Colorado University, graduating in May 2024 in just three years with Cum Laude honors and a 3.7 GPA. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance, double minored in Accounting and Political Science, and participated in the Honors Program.

Throughout her college journey, Azia Rae balanced two jobs every semester while taking summer courses. She worked in Western’s Financial Aid office for two years before becoming a TA in an infant room at a local daycare. She also served as a Supplemental Instruction tutor for Managerial Finance, leading study sessions to help fellow students master complex course material.

After college, she gained valuable experience as a Receiving Supervisor for Burlington and earned her Property & Casualty Insurance license while working as an insurance agent in Grand Junction. Today, she is back home in Center, applying her expertise in the accounting office at Skyline Potato!

Azia’s incredible work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence show exactly what Upward Bound alumni are capable of!

WANT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT? Current students and alumni, we want to share your success!

➡️ Fill out the link in our bio (“Share Your Success”)

➡️ Or DM us your photo and details directly!

09/03/2026

On behalf of the ASU Upward Bound family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Centennial School District R-1 during this time of devastating loss. The passing of a bright young scholar and dedicated student-athlete is a profound heartbreak felt far beyond the classroom walls and gym courts. To see a young lady’s journey cut short leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing, teaching, and cheering her on.
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To the students, teammates, and friends at Centennial High School, hold tightly to one another, cherish the memories you shared, and give yourselves permission to grieve. May her family be wrapped in tremendous support during this difficult time.

With our deepest sympathies,
The Upward Bound Team

🚀 Upward Bound is Hiring! 🚀We’re looking for Senior Advisors, Junior Advisors, Drivers, and Program Assistants! Work-stu...
09/02/2026

🚀 Upward Bound is Hiring! 🚀
We’re looking for Senior Advisors, Junior Advisors, Drivers, and Program Assistants! Work-study and campus employment available.
Search “Upward Bound” on Handshake to apply today!

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓Brandon Gonzales | Upward Bound Alum & Centauri High School Grad (2016)After graduating...
08/28/2026

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓
Brandon Gonzales | Upward Bound Alum & Centauri High School Grad (2016)
After graduating high school, Brandon earned his B.A. in History (Magna Cum Laude) with a minor in Political Science from Colorado State University in May 2020. During his time at CSU, he served as an Inclusive Community Assistant in the residence halls—promoting social justice, supporting first-year students, and working the front desk to keep campus life running smoothly.
He went on to attend the University of New Mexico School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in May 2023. Driven by a true passion for history, Brandon chose to follow his heart back home to the Valley. He worked as a historian and researcher for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, preserving the heritage of Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla Counties.
Brandon continued his studies at Adams State University, earning his M.A. in U.S. History in May 2026, where his thesis focused on the local history of Japanese Americans in the San Luis Valley. Today, things have come full circle: Brandon is in his third year teaching high school U.S. History, American Government, and college-level U.S. History at Centauri High School—a decade after walking those same halls as a student. He can’t imagine doing what he loves anywhere else! 📲 WANT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT?
Current students and alumni, we want to share your success!
➡️ Fill out the link in our bio (“Share Your Success”)
➡️ Or DM us your photo and details directly!

Happy 1st Week of College to all our freshmen! 🎓✨We are so proud of you as you start this exciting new journey! Remember...
08/28/2026

Happy 1st Week of College to all our freshmen! 🎓✨
We are so proud of you as you start this exciting new journey! Remember, Upward Bound is always here if you ever need support, advice, or just want to catch up.
We are especially lucky to have some of our UB alumni right here on campus with us this year!

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓We are excited to highlight Eldin Lopez Pascual (Class of 2021)! After graduating from ...
08/21/2026

🎓 UPWARD BOUND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🎓

We are excited to highlight Eldin Lopez Pascual (Class of 2021)! After graduating from Upward Bound, Eldin earned his B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University in December 2024. He is now pursuing his Master’s degree in Sports Administration at Adams State University, with plans to graduate in May 2027.

Eldin is currently working as a College and Career Specialist with Poudre School District, where he guides high school students in exploring post-graduation pathways under the district’s motto, “Graduating with Options.” Throughout his college journey, he stayed heavily involved in campus leadership and community service through his fraternity. Reconnecting with fellow Upward Bound alumni from across the nation reinforced his strong belief in how TRIO creates opportunities and lifelong connections. His favorite memories from his UB days include attending the UB Olympics at CSU Fort Collins—the reason he fell in love with the campus—and summer trips to Elitch Gardens!

📲 WANT TO BE HIGHLIGHTED NEXT? Current students and alumni, we want to share your success!

➡️ Fill out the link in our bio (“Share Your Success”)

➡️ Or DM us your photo and details directly!

Address

208 Edgemont Boulevard, Ste 2170
Alamosa, CO
81101

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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