1965 Upward Bound The Swarthmore College Upward Bound program, in operation on campus for more than 40 years starting in 1965, prepared dozens of bright, African American teenagers each year for higher education. Students lived on campus during a five-week residential phase, returning during the academic year for Saturday classes and Thursday evening tutoring and homework help. Year round, the program provided rigorous academic instruction, individualized needs' assessment, extensive tutoring, individualized counseling and exposure to a variety of personal and cultural, historical enrichment experiences. In addition, students and their parents received guidance with the college admissions, SAT testing preparation and the financial application process. Swarthmore's commitment to broadening access to high education continues through programs at the Lang Center for Social and Civic Responsibility and through other College initiatives.