Throughout the pandemic school year, career exploration organically grew into our routine. Students collaborated and learned how to communicate effectively. Teachers stood back and watched young children understand the importance of listening to others’ perspectives that were different from their own. The kids became problem solvers to meet the present needs of their community! Hosting a canned food drive at the Chamber of Commerce, adopting six local families in need during the holidays, we viewed the pandemic disruption in traditional learning as a possibility to reimagine, revitalize education!

From creating pretend hair salons, establishing restaurants featuring nature salads highlighted on the menu, engineering with Legos, painting story sets, crafting jewelry, designing and selling their stationery, the experiential program took root. The children were encouraged to think big, take the initiative, invent, create, and design.  They engaged in activities that developed from their interest and curiosity! The program was so successful that once described as a “solution to the pandemic,” it became the vision of growing the South Carolina talent pipeline for future leaders. Quite literally, from the ground up!