Partners in Ministry
Education & Mentoring

S.Y.S.T.E.M.

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.

Summer Camp

As an added benefit to kids enrolled in our Strengthening Youth Through Science Technology Engineering and Math (SYSTEM) after-school program, they are able to attend our summer camp program, Camp STEM-U-LATION. Summer Camp participants receive a free breakfast and lunch during camp. Children enjoy STEM-related activities in addition to reading, arts, crafts, sports, drama, music, and more. Summer Camp dates are announced during the month of June.

Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES)

The YES program focuses on six key life domains that contribute to positive youth development. These domains are: 

Relationships, Community, Health, Creativity, Work, and Education 

Through the partnership between mentors and mentees, we anticipate achieving the following outcomes: 

  • Increase school involvement by enhancing attendance and participation, improving behavior, raising academic grades, and reducing suspensions. 
  • Decrease high-risk behaviors, including involvement with the justice system, substance abuse, disciplinary issues, and antisocial actions. 
  • Promote positive behavior within both the school and the community. 
  • Expand future opportunities for students. 

Become A Leader 

Discover various ways to improve your community and develop essential skills. Participate in activities such as: 

  • Improving study skills 
  • Tutoring elementary school children 
  • Exploring career opportunities 
  • Touring college campuses 
  • Learning what it takes to become an entrepreneur 
  • Understanding the importance of commitment 
  • Hands-on teaching for starting and 
  • maintaining a vegetable garden, as well as landscaping 
  • Organizing community activities and health fairs 

Vision 

The purpose of the mentoring program is to provide early intervention for at-risk youth in Scotland County. This program aims to intervene in the lives of at-risk individuals to prevent the development of crime and other behavioral issues. The intervention takes the form of a mentoring program where at-risk youth are paired with a mentor. This program addresses six key life domains that promote positive development in youth. 

YES offers both one-on-one and group mentoring. The one-on-one mentoring component allows adult volunteers to spend at least two hours each week with youth, providing support, friendship, advice, and encouragement for positive youth development. 

Referral Process 

Referrals can be made through any School  Resource Officer or a Juvenile Court Counselor who identifies a child eager to grow academically and personally. 

1. Once a referral is made, the Y.E.S. Coordinator will contact the family. 

2. After the youth has been enrolled in the program, the Y.E.S. Coordinator will inform the referring agency or school about the enrollment status. 

3. Each participant will be paired with a mentor who will meet with them once a week for a minimum of two hours. 

4. Transportation will be provided from school. Youth are required to attend sessions from Monday to Thursday. 

The sessions will cover: 

  • Homework and academic tutoring 
  • Community gardening Educational field trips 
  • Social skills groups 
  • Leadership seminars