Kids On Point 2023-2024 Impact Report

Impact Report

23-24 kidsonpoint.org

Letter From Lauren Dear Friends and Supporters, As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey Kids On Point has undertaken. Our organization has experienced significant growth and transformation, paving the way for an even brighter future. It is with great pleasure that I share with you some of the highlights and achievements from this past year.

Our programs have expanded both in size and scope, allowing us to reach more students and provide them with life-changing opportunities. One of the most exciting developments has been our continued expansion into North Charleston. This strategic move has enabled us to serve a larger community and offer our high-quality enrichment programs to more young people who can benefit from them. The enthusiasm and support from the North Charleston community have been overwhelming, and we are committed to deepening our impact in this area.

Our travel activities have been a cornerstone of our success, providing students with the chance to compete in squash tournaments in cities like Atlanta, Delaware, Chicago, and Philadelphia. These experiences have not only enhanced their athletic skills but also broadened their horizons, exposing them to new cultures and environments. The formation of our HighPerformance Squash Team has further exemplified our dedication to excellence, with students eagerly participating in additional Saturday practices and competing across the country.

The growth of our organization is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. It is through your unwavering commitment that we are able to create lasting change in the lives of our students. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum, expanding our programs, and exploring new opportunities for growth.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Kids On Point family. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of young people, empowering them to reach their full potential and become leaders in their communities. I look forward to another year of growth, achievement, and inspiration.

Warm regards,

A WORLD WHERE ALL KIDS THRIVE. For 14 years, Kids On Point has offered free year-

Vision

round support for youth in the Charleston community. As a nonprofit working to tackle systemic issues (educational inequality and poverty) in Charleston, we operate intentionally based on data-driven outcomes to avoid the ‘mission creep’ that can dilute the effectiveness of many nonprofits. Year-round, our programming focuses on alleviating the resource disparity that students throughout Charleston experience.

Mission

TO EMBOLDEN THE POTENTIAL OF OUR KIDS THROUGH ACCESS, EXPOSURE AND OPPORTUNITY After-school programming: 4 days a week, students are given healthy after-school meals and participate in academic & athletic enrichment facilitated with mentors from CofC Year-round college and career counseling from certified college counselors Enrichment field trips locally and around the country in order to expose students to new ideas, cultures and people that they may not encounter in their schools or neighborhoods Family outreach events to connect families with resources and information relevant to supporting their students’ success Summer Camp: A 6-week academic and enrichment experience to address the “summer slide."

Afterschool Programming Average Attendence

81%

Ages

Program Days

138

Volunteer Hours

2,300

CCSD operates 180 days

9 -18 Students Served

177

Number of Volunteers

78

Cost For Students & Families

$0

A Day In The Life of a KOP Scholar During our after-school program, students receive comprehensive academic support, including homework assistance, participation in educational games, and goal-setting for personal and academic growth. Each student benefits from guidance by CofC student mentors and personalized tutoring from dedicated community members. Our wellness routines emphasize both physical health and mental wellbeing through mindfulness exercises and a diverse range of fitness activities. Students also engage in various sports, which enhance their teamwork and physical skills, fostering positive self-care habits for a brighter future. Our enrichment programs ignite creativity and build practical skills through hands-on activities in arts, STEM, college and career counseling, and more. Each afternoon, students enjoy nutritious meals provided by the Lowcountry Food Bank, ensuring they are energized and prepared.

Arrive on site check in with CofC Mentors

01

½ students move to Athletics/ wellness - ½ students move to academics

04

Enrichment partners

05

06 02

Receive snack from Lowcountry Food Bank

03

Announcements & Daily Vibe Check

Dismissal & family pickup

High School Programming KOP continues to deepen our offerings for high-school students through college and career readiness programs like the KOP Ambassador Program designed to increase high schoolers' leadership and public speaking skills. Notably, We have developed ongoing community partnerships to create program offerings such as outdoor excursions with Coastal Expedition Foundation that give students access to the wildlife and habitats that all those in the Lowcountry share with the purpose of increasing environmental stewardship and interest in environmental career fields.

We continue to utilize Level All’s content library to create engaging sessions to support our students.

We pull content from their nine key pillars (success in high school, college and college-alternative paths, life skills, financial literacy, career exposure and planning, apprenticeships, community college path, and leadership) in order to develop our academic enrichment sessions. In fact, we devoted 175 hours to academic enrichment during our after school program in our ongoing efforts to provide personalized and meaningful learning experiences to students.

Through our partnership with Level All, our students have a unique tool to research potential career fields, be matched with potential employers and colleges, and find apprenticeships and scholarships.

Enrichment Throughout the year, we offer a wide variety of enrichment activities for our students to participate in. These opportunities range from community service projects, wellness activities, lifeskill advancement, celebrations for their accomplishments, and overall individual enrichment. This year, we reached over 300 hours of total enrichment between both our locations.

Downtown

North Charleston

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Community Service

Enrichement

Wellness

Lifeskills

Celebrations

Enrichment programming is essential for our students as it extends learning beyond the traditional classroom, offering opportunities to explore new interests, develop practical skills, and build confidence. Enrichment programming refers to activities that complement traditional education by providing students with opportunities to explore diverse subjects, such as arts, sports, STEM, and leadership, in a more hands-on, engaging way. These programs are designed to enhance learning, promote critical thinking, and develop life skills that contribute to a student's overall personal and academic success.

At Kids On Point, we approach all enrichment activities with intentionality, carefully designing each experience to align with our students' academic and personal growth goals. By focusing on practical success and skill building, we ensure that our programs not only spark curiosity and creativity but also equip students with the tools they need to thrive in real-world situations. This intentional approach helps us foster well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

Our Partners

Allegro Charter School Camp Happy Days Charleston Archery Academy Charleston County School District Charleston Museum Charleston Stage Charleston Symphony Charleston Waterkeeper CIty of Charleston Department of Recreation City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course City of Charleston Environmental Science City of North Charleston Coastal Expeditions CofC Athletics Department

CofC Basketball CofC REACH Program CofC Soccer CofC Public Health CofC Mace Brown Museum College Sage Cookie Washington Doors to Dreams ELITE Gaming First Tee of Charleston Gibbes Museum Gullah Swim Academy HALOS Historic Charleston Foundation Junior Achievement of SC Keith Summey North Charleston Library Kids in the Kitchen Charleston Library Society Little Dove Consulting Lowcountry Food Bank MAD Park Multiplying Good

MUSC Gardens MUSC Integrations Health Therapy North Charleston Parks and Rec Orangegrove Charter School Peace Culture Music Planned Parenthood Sam Sidney SC Aquarium Sign Pro South Carolina Surf Soccer Club Vision to Learn WINGS for Kids Youth 2 Ocean YWCA - Y Girls Code

49

Total Collaborative Partners

Call Me Misters For the second summer, we have partnered with the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern, and Clemson to host an internship program for the Call Me MISTER Program. Call Me MISTER is a collegiate initiative to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader, more diverse background among the State’s lowest-performing schools. These “MISTER” students are housed on the College of Charleston campus and work under our certified teachers to gain additional knowledge and expertise in the classroom. This summer we hosted 16 MISTERS from 6 universities across South Carolina at both of our summer sites.

SC State Lander

CofC

3,200

Hours this summer

College Spotlight We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students who have continued their educational journeys into post-secondary education whether it be trade school, community college or a four-year institution.

A shining example is LaMauria Goodwin, a KOP graduate who began her journey with us back in elementary school and is now a sophomore at Claflin University. Not only is LaMauria thriving in college but she has also taken on a leadership role with Kids On Point for the past two summers, overseeing volunteers and managing summer camp logistics. Her growth and dedication are a true testament to the impact of our programs.

We are committed to supporting all our graduates as they pursue their post-secondary education, and beyond, and we look forward to watching many more students thrive as they design their own futures of success.

Coastal Carolina CSU

Winthrop

Educator Advancement Deondré Pendergrass 4 Years

“I have had the privilege of working with students ranging from rising Kindergarteners to rising 8th graders. Having taught high school, and now middle school, KOP has helped give me the confidence to succeed in any classroom with any grade level. The highlight of my time with KOP is the relationships that I have developed with the students and their families. A lot of them have become like family to me, and I do not take that lightly or for granted!

It is a blessing to work at KOP every summer! It is always a great joy to meet a new group of students and see their growth from week 1 to the conclusion of camp. I get to be a part of memories that will last a lifetime for them, and that means the world to me!”

Jared Gambrell 6 Years

“Working for Kids On Point is an amazing experience. As an educator, we are often restricted in what we teach and how we teach. Kids On Point offers a fun and unique experience while supporting student learning. I am able to try new ways to implement lessons that support student engagement, and I have been able to use a lot of these ideas during the school year.The highlight of my time with KOP is watching the program evolve. Every year, the camp gets better. The KOP staff works very hard to prepare themes and activities, and being able to watch the kids work hard and enjoy themselves is something I enjoy.”

Makayla Garrett 4 Years “I enjoy the staff and students. The environment and the culture created is something that is so hard to find and cherished! I love the adventures the campers get to go on and love helping them grow academically as well. My favorite things are the partnerships and the experiences the campers get to experience. There are many activities that some may not get to enjoy outside of KOP and it is an awesome experience to watch them try new things or excel at activities they have previously enjoyed.”

“KOP is an amazing and unique program. It gives students the opportunity to experience things they probably otherwise wouldn't through activities like Squash, various field trips, and visits from our many partners. They also get to refine academic skills to get a jumpstart on the school year ahead. This program truly gives Charleston area students the opportunity to be wellrounded scholars. “

“My highlight would have to be in my second summer when we took our crew to do Crabbing with Tia. The campers were so engaged and had such an amazing time. They were able to learn how to fish for crabs, the bait to use, and learn how to hold them! We were sad to get back on the bus at the end of our time and it was something we talked about the rest of the summer. “

Kids On Point's summer teacher training focuses on project-based learning curriculum that offers invaluable professional development, allowing teachers to engage in creative, hands-on activities that they enjoy and may not typically have the opportunity to implement in their regular classrooms. Our collective efforts to make summer learning fun, engaging and enriching for students.

Introducing Edmentum Last year, we integrated a new learning software

This means we are committed to providing

to gauge the academic progress of our students.

project-based learning curriculum that is hyper-

This tool helps us tod develop a better

focused on engagement and critical thinking

understanding of what aspects of our

skills, which then translates into more active

programming need more or less focus. Edmentum

participation in their classrooms through the

creates learning technology solutions designed to

academic year. When students have the

support educators and supplement existing

opportunity to reinforce skills learned throughout

curriculum with one goal in mind: positive student

the school year in a more tangible way, the

outcomes.

knowledge gained is retained allowing them to

While our programming does have a strong

have a stronger start to the next academic year.

academic approach, our broader approach to

These gains are reflected in the Edmentum

student achievement is whole-child-focused.

data.

We have three testing windows throughout the year that help determine the impact of academic programming and inform programming direction for the academic department. Utilizing data collected through Edmentum and project-based learning opportunities, we hope to support students in the following areas: communication and public speaking, organizational skills, time management, academic success skills, leadership and collaboration as well as academic achievement.

“We strive to be educators' most trusted partner. Edmentum provides market-leading tools & resources to equip teachers, coaches, tutors, and administrators to help students meet and exceed their goals. I cannot say this enough, “…nothing replaces quality teaching. However, when you pair highly qualified teachers with our research-based.

Outcome-driven tools and resources the possibilities are endless.”

We are blessed to partner with such an impactful non-profit as KOP. KOP truly sets the standard and models how an organization should operate. Thank you for allowing us to play a small part in its success.

The best is yet to come! You have our full and unfettered support in all you do now and in the future. “ - Eddie Crosby Sr. Partnership Manager, Edmentum

Summer Programming Summer 2024 Math Scores *Data provided by Edmentum testing

Avg Pre Score

Avg Post Score

Avg Growth

100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% -20.00%

Crew 1 Crew 2 Crew 3 Crew 4 Crew 5 Crew 6 Crew 7 Crew 8 Crew 9 Crew 10

As a result of our summer programming, 60% of classes improved their math competencies.

Ages 4 - 18

Students Served

400

Days of Camp

24

Cost For Students & Families

$0

Squash Highlight We are thrilled to introduce our High-Performance

Saturday Squash Squash Competition Squash Travel

Squash Team, a dedicated group of students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment to the sport. The formation of this

Squash Practice

team marks a significant milestone for Kids On Point, as it represents our continued efforts to nurture and develop the potential of our young athletes.

The High-Performance Team meets regularly for practice sessions, with optional practices held on Saturdays. We are delighted to report that these Saturday sessions have been surprisingly wellattended, with students showing remarkable enthusiasm and dedication. The extra time on the court allows our athletes to refine their skills, build stronger team dynamics, and push their limits in a supportive and motivating environment.

Participation in the High-Performance

Our High-Performance Squash Team

Team opens up exciting opportunities for

embodies the spirit of excellence and

our students. They have the chance to

perseverance that Kids On Point strives to

travel around the country, competing

instill in all our participants. The

against other programs within the Squash

experiences gained through this program

Education Alliance network. These

extend beyond the squash court, teaching

competitions not only provide our athletes

valuable life lessons about teamwork,

with high-level squash experience but also

resilience, and goal-setting. We are

expose them to diverse cultures and

immensely proud of our high-performance

communities. Traveling for tournaments

athletes and look forward to supporting

allows our students to form connections

them as they continue to grow and achieve

with their peers from different backgrounds,

remarkable successes both in squash and

fostering a sense of camaraderie and

in their personal development.

mutual respect.

Expanding Horizons This year has been an exhilarating journey for Kids On Point as we expanded our horizons and embarked on several travel adventures with our dedicated students. We are proud to share the highlights of our travel activities, which have significantly enriched the lives of our participants and broadened their perspectives.

Our travel itinerary included exciting trips to Atlanta, Delaware, Chicago, and Philadelphia, where our students participated in competitive squash tournaments. These journeys were not just about sports; they were about embracing new experiences and learning from them.

Traveling by trains and planes, our students were exposed to different cultures and environments, allowing them to grow in ways that extend far beyond the squash court.

At each tournament destination, our students had the unique opportunity to go on college tours, gaining invaluable insights into higher education institutions. They interacted with peers from similar enrichment programs, exchanging ideas and experiences that fostered a sense of community and shared purpose. Competing in these athletic tournaments, our students not only honed their squash skills but also developed a deeper understanding of wellness and the importance of setting and achieving goals.

Through these travel experiences, our students cultivated a well-rounded sense of independence and personal integrity. They learned to navigate new cities, manage their time, and make thoughtful decisions, all of which contribute to shaping their worldviews.

These trips have empowered our students to see the world differently, encouraging them to aspire to greater heights and reinforcing the values of resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline.

Kids On Point remains committed to providing transformative experiences that prepare our students for success both on and off the court. The memories and lessons from this year's travel activities will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, inspiring our students to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Charleston Civil Rights and Civics Now housed at Kids on Point, C3 is an immersive civil rights experience for high school students completing their freshman year. Through this weeklong program, students engage with our civil rights history and democratic process, enabling them to better understand each other and become lifelong active citizens.

Students visit some of the most impactful sites in the Lowcountry to learn firsthand about our region’s history of enslavement and civil rights. Students visit the International African American Museum, historic sites throughout Charleston, the Penn Center on Saint Helena Island, Cecil William’s museum, the sites of the Orangeburg Massacre and Johns Island. Learning from experts in the field, students hear first hand accounts of the Charleston Hospital Workers Strike, the Orangeburg Massacre and other significant civil rights moments.

C3 reveals history “hidden in plain sight,” giving students a deep sense of pride in understanding South Carolina’s and the Lowcountry’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to engage with influential figures from diverse backgrounds, including the Mayor of Charleston and a South Carolina State Senator. The week is filled with powerful narratives of both pain and triumph, as students demonstrate a strong desire to learn, connect, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Many students express their surprise at not having encountered this historical knowledge in school, raising questions about why such significant content is often overlooked in traditional curricula.

Learning about influential figures such as Esau Jenkins, Septima P. Clark, and the Progressive Schools movement left a lasting impact on the participants and they become captivated by the roles historically Black colleges, such as Claflin University and South Carolina State, played in the Civil Rights Movement.

Financials ANNUAL INCOME $1,763,767 State Funding* 20.5%

Individuals 21.5%

Corporate 22.2% Grants/Foundations 35.8% * KOP received one-time American Rescue Plan, ESSR Funding from the SC Department of Education

ANNUAL EXPENSES $1,696,666.96 Downtown Programs 18.5%

Core Mission Support 42.5% North Charleston Programs 15.2%

Operations 17.9%

Last year, our Giving On Point fundraising

During this time, your donation will directly support:

campaign was a tremendous success, raising an incredible $267,000 to support our afterschool programming. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and positively impact the lives of countless students.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that our Giving On Point campaign will run from September 23rd to October 18th.

Program Expansion: Helping us reach more students in North Charleston with high-quality educational programs.

Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with local organizations to create a vibrant and supportive community network.

Student Success: Providing the tools and resources necessary for our students to excel academically and personally.

Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our goal.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless children and families. Together, we can harness the power of community and ensure a brighter future for all.

Help us make this year’s Giving On Point campaign our most impactful yet!

Scan the code to learn more.

Ready. Set. Glow.

On March 2nd we hosted our annual fundraising celebration Ready. Set. Glow at The Cistern on College of Charleston’s campus. This event raises funds to support our summer programming, allowing us to expand our enrollment and extend to new boundaries.

This year we had great success hosting 400+ attendees and raising nearly $100,000! In addition to ticket sales and sponsorships, this year we added an exciting new raffle giving those who entered a chance to win two tickets to Taylor Swift in New Orleans. The winners were our very own community members, Dan and Marie Dickerson!

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to an evening celebrating our students’ success and helping raise funds for an amazing summer!

If you missed out on this year’s night of fun, make sure to join us on March 1, 2025!

Our Team The staff at Kids on Point collectively brings a wealth of experience and dedication to each role, with a unified focus on enhancing child development and reducing educational inequality. Our team is characterized by our strong commitment to building partnerships, optimizing resources, and creating impactful learning experiences. With extensive experience in fields such as health education, curriculum development, and youth mentorship, we work collaboratively to ensure that every scholar at KOP receives the support and opportunities needed to thrive. This passion drives our mission to foster academic growth and personal development for all students.

Lauren Heterich

Stachia Bennett

Barbie Schreiner

Dylan Woodward

Executive Director

Director of Operations

Director of Advancement

Director of Programming

Tenise Holloway

Josh Grimard

Paola Macias

David Felipe

Director of Academics

Director of Athletics

Academic Coordinator

Athletic Coordinator

Our Board

Chris Riley Board Chairman

Renard Harris Vice Chair

Steve Werber

Molly Butler

Steve Osborne

Sue Woods

Amanda Roberts

Steven Thomas

Judith Ranger-Smith

Todd Abedon

Ben Liebeterau

Anthony James

Thomas Cutler

Clay Maxwell

GENUINE

CONNECTED

VARIETY

GROWTH

“This was our first year here. My daughter really enjoyed herself. Everyday was her best day ever. The staff's interaction was so overwhelmingly genuine they made me feel likeI'd known them for years.”

“My kids had a wonderful time [at camp], and they wished it was longer. They talked constantly about the friends They made, and how awesome their counselors were. I loved the way you all greeted my kids by name. I think it made them felt seen and a connected.”

“I am endlessly impressed with your team at Kids on Point! You guys do an amazing job offering a wide variety of activities for the kids, keeping parents informed and organized. I am amazed at the exposure these kids are gaining to all kinds of different things!”

“I want to thank you all for such a fun packed 5 weeks! I have observed that my son has grown so much within this 5week span and has become more responsible!

Thank you for all you guys do.”

— New Parent Testimonial

— Summer Parent Testimonial

- Current Parent Testimonial

— Summer Parent Testimonial

Parent & Student Testimonials How has Kids On Point helped you grow?

“It helped me develop in so many things like improve in math and my reading.”

“I can feel more comfortable talking to teachers about what’s going on and I know I have people I can lean on during hard times.”

“It helped me have more confidence, freedom, and friendship with my classmates.”

“I learned that if you give respect you get it back.”

“KOP helped me change by being more active.”

“I learned how to surf. I would never think surfing is something I would want to do until I went on the field trip.

I enjoyed it.”

“KOP has helped grow in general as a person, and helped me push my academic, fitness and social skills.”

SUMMER 2024

Kids On Point P.O. Box 22731 Charleston, SC 29413 Info@kidsonpoint.org 843-256-6765 KidsOnPoint.org