The unit of Benedict College TRiO Programs 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 for success in post-secondary education of low income and/or first-generation college bound middle and high school students. The programs that comprise the unit are Upward Bound, GEAR UP, Educational Talent Search, and the 21st Century Community Learning Center. Funded by the US Department of Education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the South Carolina State Department of Education, the programs serve 780 students from fifteen target schools in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties.

The programs are year round and offer activities and services that span two components. The Academic Year component consists of Saturday sessions and weekly tutorials during and after school that provide direct instruction core subjects, career awareness, and social development. The Summer Residential components allow participants to experience a sampling of college life by allowing them to live in dormitories, eat in campus dining facilities, and attend classes and activities that will prepare them for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the Upward Bound Bridge component is intended to give Upward Bound participants a head start in their college careers. Bridge is designed to assist participants who have successfully graduated from high sch0ool with the transition to college. The students enroll in courses for college credit during the summer prior to their freshman year and are instructed on time management and other college related issues. Each of the program components are designed to provide holistic experiences designed to enhance academic, social, and cultural development.

Benedict College's rich history of community development and leadership development has yielded a plethora of resources to support the grants and enhance the services provided. Structurally, the unit is housed in the Division of Community Development. This is advantageous because the division's mission is "To examine issues affecting children and families, business and economic development, democracy and government, and educational excellence through research, public service and teaching." The program is located at 1517 Gregg Street within the Center of Excellence, is wheel chair accessible, and situated on a major transportation route. The continuance of the unit's work will assist the Division, Benedict College, and the funding agencies in reaching their goals.