The Marist Upward Bound Program was founded in 1966. It is a federally funded college preparatory program designed to generate in participants the skills and motivation necessary to persist in completing their secondary education and enter and complete a program of postsecondary education. Current program funding level is $657.533.00.

Marist College Upward Bound currently serves 147 youths from two senior high schools located in Dutchess and Orange counties.

Upward Bound provides participants with a core curriculum of instruction that includes mathematics through Calculus II, laboratory science, foreign language, computer science, composition, and literature. In addition, Upward Bound provides services such as career exploration, personal counseling, academic advising, financial aid counseling, tutorial support, mentoring programs, college entrance exam preparation, and social and cultural events.

Upward Bound's services are provided on campus, at high schools and at other sites after school, on Saturdays and during the summer residential program. Many Marist faculty, staff and students serve as volunteers or salaried personnel during both the academic and summer components.