The Benedict College Upward Bound Program has come to be considered a staple in the Midlands community. For more than 30 years, the unit has successfully rendered services designed to enhance the academic and social preparedness of low-income, first-generation high school students and prepare them for success in post-secondary education. The program is funded by the US Department of Education and
serves 85 students annually from five target schools in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties. The program is year-round and offers activities and services that span three components. The Academic Year component consists of Saturday sessions and weekly after-school tutorials that provide direct instruction in core subjects, career awareness, and social development. The Summer Residential component allows participants to experience a sampling of college life by allowing them to live in dormitories, eat in the campus dining facility, and attend classes and activities that will prepare them for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the Upward Bound Bridge component is intended to give graduating senior participants a head start in their college careers and assist them with the transition to college. The students enroll in courses for college credit during the summer prior to their freshman year and are also instructed on time management and other college-related issues. Each of the program components is designed to provide holistic experiences to enhance academic, social, and cultural development.
