The Kent State University Pre-College/TRIO Upward Bound Programs, housed within the Office of University Outreach & Engagement, is committed to providing equality, preparation and access for populations seeking entrance to post-secondary education. Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program funded by the U. S. Department of Education.

Pre-College/TRIO Upward Bound programs include three federal TRIO Upward Bound programs that seek to increase educational opportunities and diminish barriers for first-generation, low income students and families through comprehensive services in targeted school districts. There are three Upward Bound programs at Kent State: Classic, Math Science, and Health Professions. TRIO programs help students overcome, class, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education.