N. Charleston program offers classes to fight school-to-prison pipeline

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – An initiative at the North Charleston Community Resource Center is working to combat the school-to-prison pipeline through summer STEM lessons and fall trade courses. Located at 3947 Whipper Barony Lane, this community center is the second Lowcountry learning facility offering such programs. The center started its summer enrichment programs for children aged 5 to 15 and trade lessons for young adults last year.

Growth of the Program

The program has grown significantly from its start with 12 participants to now having 37 students engaged in learning science, technology, engineering, and math. STEMology Academy, an extension of the program, focuses on interactive skill-building exercises, allowing students to work with a variety of items to enhance their understanding.

Goals of The Program

The summer program aims to prepare students for future workforce challenges and encourage collaborative learning. Young adults interested in welding or forklifting can take advantage of the trade lessons offered during the fall.

Driving Forces Behind the Program

Pentrina Gregory, Headmaster of STEMology Academy, leads the program with the support of her twin sons. Her motivation stems from her daughter’s experience studying engineering, believing that early exposure to STEM concepts can benefit children greatly.

Future Endeavours

Gregory plans to expand the academy to provide after-school and holiday break programs to prevent children from being unsupervised or losing knowledge during longer breaks, ultimately supporting their educational progress.

Executing with a Mission

Louis Smith, the North Charleston Community Center’s Executive Director, stresses the importance of educational initiatives in ending the school-to-prison pipeline, a harmful cycle that diverts students from academic paths into the criminal justice system. “Our children must succeed, and we must give them an opportunity,” Smith emphasized.