What is Upward Bound

Many students in our school system make significant improvements in some aspect of academic
achievement during a given rating period. Those students receive recognition in the formal awards
of the education system. Some show improvement in behavior and/or attitude. Citrus County
Rotarians and School Principals saw the need for a program to reward students who progress
as individuals, not necessarily academically. “Upward Bound Awards” was developed 1n 1990
to fill that need. The award consists of breakfast at the Citrus Springs Community Center
(and time out of school!). In addition to the breakfast, students hear an address by selected
individuals in the community, receive the award of their certificate from a member of the Citrus
County School Board and are sent a copy of a commemorative photograph after the event.
A group photograph along with other pupils at the school receiving the award is also available.
Each year the award is given to approximately 500 students from grades 4 through 12, selected
by staff of the Citrus County Schools, both public and private.
The first 6 Rotary Club Ray Darling college scholarship was awarded to a prior Upward Bound
Award recipient in spring of 2019.