South Carolina Student Support Programs: Building Skills, Strengthening Futures
Nearly 25,000 students engaged with Communities In Schools of South Carolina during the 2025 to 2026 school year, supported in part by a $60,000 ATI Foundation grant.
A student’s path to a successful future starts long before graduation. Consistent attendance, strong life skills, trusted relationships and exposure to career possibilities all help young people build the foundation they need to move forward with confidence.
Through its Building Life Skills for Low-income South Carolina Youth Through School-Based Wraparound Student Support project, Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC) placed site coordinators in 47 South Carolina schools. Working directly within schools, these coordinators connected students and families with personalized support, life skills development, mentoring, career exploration and community resources designed to help students overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals.
School-based wraparound student support connects students with coordinated academic, behavioral, family and community resources based on their individual needs. Communities In Schools of South Carolina describes its model as Integrated Student Supports delivered by school-based site coordinators who connect students with existing community resources.
South Carolina Student Support Programs Can Strengthen Academic and Life Outcomes
By the end of the school year, Communities In Schools of South Carolina had engaged nearly 25,000 students and more than 7,000 caregivers through activities ranging from attendance campaigns and basic-needs referrals to mentoring, career development and family engagement.
Site coordinators also provided intensive case management services to 2,120 students. The outcomes show what can happen when students have consistent support:
98% of case-managed seniors graduated
91% of case-managed high school students maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher
88% of case-managed students showed positive gains in life skills, including resiliency, self-control and internal motivation
86% had 10 or fewer unexcused absences
81% maintained or improved their school behavior goals
Among students in grades 3 to 8, 77% earned a C or higher in English Language Arts and 71% did so in math
These numbers represent more than academic progress. They reflect students building the skills, relationships and confidence needed to take ownership of what comes next.
The emphasis on attendance also connects to a broader education and workforce issue in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Education identifies chronic absenteeism as an early indicator associated with academic performance, high school graduation and later workforce outcomes.
South Carolina Student Support Programs Connect School to Career Possibilities
Career exploration was an important part of the project.
At Berea High School in Greenville County, South Carolina, Communities In Schools of South Carolina launched a Career Clusters Lunch and Learn that brought professionals from different organizations into the school each month.
The program introduced 11th and 12th grade students to multiple industries while placing particular emphasis on career pathways beyond a traditional four-year degree, including two-year degrees, technical college programs and industry certifications.
At another school, 25 community partners participated in breakout sessions focused on local career opportunities, giving students direct exposure to the possibilities available in their own communities.
Students also gained access to mentors and volunteers who could expand their personal and professional networks. At Burke High School, for example, several students were connected with a volunteer who helped them navigate college and scholarship applications.
These connections matter. When students can see a path forward and meet people who can help them understand how to pursue it, the transition from education to opportunity becomes clearer.
Students participating in the CISSC project experienced career exploration in several ways:
Meeting professionals representing different industries.
Learning about two-year degrees and technical college programs.
Exploring industry certifications and other alternatives to a traditional four-year degree.
Building relationships with mentors and volunteers.
Learning about career opportunities available in their own communities.
Hear from Katie Reams, Regional Director of Development of the Lowcountry at Communities In Schools of South Carolina, as she shares the impact of this work on students and their futures.
Stronger Connections Surround Students With Support
The work extended beyond individual students.
At Sandel Elementary, a Lunch Buddy program brought mentors into the school to spend time with students. At Pine Ridge Middle, a Family Bingo Night was paired with a Community Resource Fair, connecting families with local organizations and businesses.
At North District Middle, an ELA and Social Studies Family Night gave parents an opportunity to meet with teachers and become more connected to their children’s academics.
Together, these efforts strengthened the network surrounding students: families, educators, mentors, businesses and community organizations working toward the same goal.
That approach is consistent with the Communities In Schools of South Carolina model, which brings community resources into schools and uses tiered support ranging from school-wide services to individualized support.
Family engagement is also part of South Carolina’s broader approach to student readiness. The South Carolina Department of Education identifies building relationships, communication, connections to learning outcomes, collaborative practices and community partnerships as foundational family engagement strategies.
One Student Shows How Long-Term Support Can Shape a Future
The long-term value of that support came into focus when a former Communities In Schools of South Carolina case-managed student returned to Grove Elementary to visit her former site coordinator.
“Jessica,” a name used by Communities In Schools of South Carolina to protect the student’s privacy, had just graduated from high school. She shared that she remained connected with students who had participated in Communities In Schools groups with her during elementary school.
Now, she is preparing to attend Greenville Technical College as the first person in her family to graduate from high school and go to college. Her plan is to eventually transfer to Lander University and pursue a career in law or forensic science.
Her story is a powerful reminder that the relationships and skills built during a student’s school years can continue to shape what they believe is possible long afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is school-based wraparound student support?
School-based wraparound student support brings coordinated resources into a school so students can access academic, behavioral, family and community support. Communities In Schools of South Carolina uses school-based site coordinators to identify student needs and connect students with appropriate resources.
How many students did Communities In Schools of South Carolina reach?
During the 2025 to 2026 school year, Communities In Schools of South Carolina engaged nearly 25,000 students and more than 7,000 caregivers through the project. 2,120 students received intensive case management services.
What outcomes did case-managed students achieve?
Among the reported outcomes, 98% of case-managed seniors graduated, 91% of case-managed high school students maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and 88% of case-managed students showed positive gains in life skills. Attendance, behavior, English Language Arts and math outcomes were also tracked.
How did the project introduce students to careers?
Students participated in activities including career-focused sessions with professionals, mentoring and exposure to local opportunities. At Berea High School, the Career Clusters Lunch and Learn introduced 11th and 12th grade students to industries and education pathways including technical college programs, two-year degrees and industry certifications.
Related Reading
To learn more about the school-based model described in this story, visit the Communities In Schools of South Carolina website. The organization says its site coordinators provide wraparound support to students in schools across South Carolina.
Keep Building Career Pathways
The ATI Foundation invests in organizations that remove barriers, strengthen education and create clearer pathways toward meaningful careers. Explore the ATI Foundation Grant Program to learn more about how the ATI Foundation funds established programs and partners working to expand their impact.
Quick Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Grantee | Communities In Schools of South Carolina |
| Project | Building Life Skills for Low-income South Carolina Youth Through School-Based Wraparound Student Support |
| ATI Foundation Grant | $60,000 |
| Location | South Carolina |
| Schools | 47 |
| Students Engaged | Nearly 25,000 |
| Caregivers Engaged | More than 7,000 |
| Students Receiving Intensive Case Management | 2,120 |
| Timeline | 2025 to 2026 school year |