The University of Maine at Farmington’s Upward Bound is actively seeking participants for its year-round program.

The program serves students in grades nine through 12 from rural-western Maine, particularly students who would be the first in their family to attend college and need support getting there, according to a news release from the university.

The program is completely free to students and their families.

Upward Bound staff plans to hold a Zoom meeting for families and students at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Those interested in attending can register at tinyurl.com/2p9ysm7h or contact the Upward Bound office at 207-778-7296.

The program aims to help students develop the skills and motivation necessary to succeed in education beyond high school. UMF Upward Bound serves students from the following schools:

• Waterville High School;

• Lawrence High School, Fairfield;

• Skowhegan Area High School;

• Madison Area Memorial High School;

• Mt. Abram High School, Salem;

• Mt. Blue High School, Farmington;

• Spruce Mountain High School, Jay;

• Carrabec High School, North Anson;

• Buckfield High School;

• Dirigo High School, Dixfield;

• Mountain Valley High School, Rumford;

• Oxford Hills High School, South Paris;

• Telstar High School, Bethel and

• Edward Little High School, Auburn.

Upward Bound students receive many opportunities, including academic instruction, college, career and financial aid counseling, as well as the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of trips and cultural activities. Students also participate in a residential six-week program on the UMF campus during the summer, where they get to experience what it’s like to live on a college campus.