Carolus Online Academy’s Carolus Cares: Project Give Back Event: A Huge Success! 

On Friday, August 23, 2024, Carolus Online Academy hosted a remarkable back-to-school event in Columbia, marking the launch of our new initiative, Carolus Cares: Project Give Back. This program is designed to support at-risk students both within our virtual school and throughout South Carolina, providing much-needed resources and fostering a supportive educational environment. 

Community Engagement and Support

The event took place at the South Carolina Public Charter School District office and was a huge success, drawing families from across the area. Attendees could access a variety of essential resources, including food, toys, games, books, and clothing. 

Renae Mullinax, a parent new to COA, shared her experience: “We came out to kind of support, just see what was going on. And it’s good for my daughter because we’re in school at home, so she doesn’t really get to interact with kids from her school.” Mullinax’s daughter, Samiya, has been with COA for just two weeks and is already enjoying her online learning experience. 

Mullinax was pleasantly surprised by the comprehensive support provided by COA: “We found it on Facebook, but we didn’t know it was tuition-free. They sent us all her schoolbooks and workbooks, a laptop, and a printer. Everything was fully furnished, and we didn’t pay anything for it, which was a surprise. No registration fees or anything. So that was amazing.” 

Supporting Students in Need 

COA’s commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged students is evident in our mission. With 84% of our students classified as economically disadvantaged—significantly higher than the state average of 61%—we recognize the critical need for such programs. Pamela Sieger, Executive Director of COA, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “We do have a coordinator who works with families who are considered homeless. We also have a coordinator who works with families who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Our goal is to connect these families with local communities to find necessary resources.” 

The event also featured valuable support for families facing financial difficulties. Mullinax noted, “For those families who are struggling financially, it’s absolutely a wonderful program. We didn’t have to buy clothes or backpacks; they provided everything for us, which is a huge relief.” 

A Day of Learning and Fun 

Samiya, a Kindergartner, was enthusiastic about her learning journey: “I like to talk to my teachers whenever I have a question or don’t know what it means.” The event not only provided essential resources but also allowed students to engage in fun activities and interact with their peers. 

Looking Ahead 

Carolus Cares: Project Give Back has made a significant impact on our community, and we’re excited to continue supporting our students and families throughout the year. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and this initiative is a step towards ensuring that all our students have the resources they need to thrive. 

For more information about Carolus Cares and how you can get involved, please visit coa.k12.com. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of students across South Carolina.