New program to provide academic coach to S.C. students

Listen to this article

The S.C. Department of Education is launching a new program to support students who need help engaging with school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ENGAGE South Carolina program will provide a personal academic coach to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The coach will help develop a plan for academic success, answer questions about technology and curriculum, monitor students’ progress and pace and help foster connections to additional community programs.

“Throughout the pandemic, the lives of so many of our students and their families have been upended, and understandably many students have struggled with this transition,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said in a news release. “ENGAGE South Carolina is designed to support these learners and help ensure they stay on track for graduation and beyond.”

The program is a partnership between the S.C. Department of Education and Graduation Alliance, an organization that creates equitable learning experiences for students who might otherwise struggle. All South Carolina public schools are eligible for the program, which is free to schools and families.

Families can sign up for the program directly online at parentssc.graduationalliance.com.