SYSTEM is an after-school program located on our East Laurinburg campus in Scotland County. The primary goal of SYSTEM is to help close the academic achievement gap in Scotland County School System through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education and enrichment programs.

Our programs aim to improve the interest in STEM-based subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as well as other subjects like reading, drama, arts, and more. Through SYSTEM, youth, grades 3 – 8, are exposed to STEM challenges, critical thinking exercises, and unique problem-solving. Students also have access to our STEM lab, computer labs, and a community garden.

SYSTEM operates Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Transportation is also provided from the local schools to our campus in East Laurinburg. Each child is provided with a full meal and a snack daily.

Students enrolled in SYSTEM experience the following:

• Artistic Expression: Students are encouraged to express themselves artistically through song, dance, and other dramatic learning.
• Problem Solving: Our students use problem-solving methods to explore a variety of challenges from bridge building to space re-entry.
• Digital Learning: Through daily plans, lessons and tools on Chromebooks, laptops and more, students become adept in digital learning. Students can also create using 3D printers which help them design and build.
• Sustainability: Through our community garden, students explore concepts of responsible and sustainable gardening. Students help to maintain our gardens and provide fresh produce to the local community.

Partners In Ministry developed the Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES) program to empower youth by instilling a strong work ethic and sense of community responsibility. YES was developed as a program for youth and young adults who need support, friendship and guidance to reach their goals. on-one weekly and group mentoring, youth and young adults, ages 13-24, are provided support, friendship, case management, advice and more to encourage positive development.

The YES program has three desired outcomes:

1. Place youth in full-time, unsubsidized employment
2. Help youth to enter a 2 or 4-year college or university
3. Help youth enter the military

Additionally, PIM operates a contract through the Juvenile Justice Community Program (JCPC), the NC Department of Public Safety. These programs focus on prevention measures to deter the “School To Prison Pipeline.” Our Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES) in-school and out-of-school program provides services for both the WIOA and the JCPC Programs. The (YES) program prepares first-generation youth for career pathways and college, enlistment in the military and/or unsubsidized employment which support economic growth and labor force needs intended to grow the capacity and performance of the workforce system. Youth are provided skills development through varied work-based learning activities inclusive of in-demand occupations for the local area. The use of paid work experience, internships, and job shadowing are prescribed for youth who have limited or no work history. On-the-Job Training placement opportunities are available for youth who possess employable skill sets or transferable skills but may need skills upgrading. The ultimate goal is for youth to gain unsubsidized employment. The YES program progresses the Youth from work experience, internship, on-the-job training (OJT), to unsubsidized employment. Ninety-six percent of participating youth either enrolled in college, enlisted in the military, and/or gained unsubsidized employment.

On the Job Training (OJT) through Partners In Ministry was developed to provide valuable training, job skills and career experience to individuals. Participants in On the Job Training receive occupational training from public, private and non-profit employers.

Employers who participate in the program receive up to 50% of the wage rate to compensate for an employee’s cost. Additionally, employers participating in OJT experience the following benefits:

• OTJ participants are well-trained employees with a desire to grow and learn
• Employers are providing direct community impact to reduce poverty by hiring OTJ participants
• Employers are able to provide a valuable experience to an employee

Referrals to Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES) programs can be made through school counselors, juvenile court counselors, school resource officers, churches and other community agencies.