Original Six Foundation distributes over 30,000 books to kindergarten students in rural & underserved communities

“The Original Six Foundation would like to thank all of the groups and individuals who hosted My First Library Book Drives, donated books, or made a financial donation to this program,” Original Six Foundation Executive Director, Kara Gormley Meador said. “This year’s My First Library Book Fairs have truly been a statewide effort with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), South Carolina’s Center for Education Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (CERRA) and Bank of America’s Columbia branch leading efforts to collect new early reader books for the children we serve,” Gormley Meador said.

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Miss South Carolina inspires students to dream big during Read Across America Week

“It’s really important for me to partner with organizations that already exist here in South Carolina, that are doing so much of the work that I’ve been able to do, and amplify some of the work that I’ve been able to do as Miss South Carolina. The Original Six Foundation has 12 after school programs throughout the state, and they focus on rural and underserved communities,” Jada Samuel said.

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Original Six Foundation receives $38,000 grant from Power:Ed to support rural youth in afterschool enrichment and career discovery

“Supporting great organizations in rural and underserved communities across SC is at the heart of what we do. Original Six is working to boost education equity, introduce middle school students to career and higher education pathways, and start them on the journey to achieve greater economic opportunities for themselves and their families. We are so excited about the transformative impact O6 can have in Allendale,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

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Original Six Foundation
The Original Six Foundation raises over $170,000 for SC students

“We are incredibly grateful for the businesses, individuals and organizations that join the Original Six in our belief that a student’s educational opportunities should not be limited by the zip code in which he or she lives,” said Original Six Foundation Founder and Chair Nikki Haley. “When we first started the Original Six in 2011, some of the students told us they were afraid to go to school because they didn’t have their homework done, and they didn’t have anyone to help them. Not because their parents didn’t love them, but because their parents were working two jobs and may not be home to help,” Haley told the sold-out crowd of 200 at the event.

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Original Six Foundation
An O6 Afterschool student is making headlines!

Layla Oxendine, a seventh-grader, had the opportunity to live her dream job backstage at Charleston Fashion Week. Mentored by professional makeup artist Ashley Brook Perryman, Layla not only watched the event but also helped prepare the models for the runway. This experience showed Layla that she can be anything she wants to be, regardless of where she comes from. Layla’s mother, Casey Oxendine, was proud of her daughter’s achievement and believes that with hard work, Layla can achieve anything. The experience was a first for both Layla and her mother, who are considering making it a yearly trip.

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Original Six Afterschool Program Expands to Reach More Rural Students in High-Poverty Public Schools

“We are excited and grateful to have this opportunity for our school, students, parents, and community,” Main Street Principal, Dr. Sharon Williams said. “We are thankful that the Original Six Foundation sees the need for afterschool programs like ours at Main Street. Their investment and committed partnership allow us to be able to provide additional academic assistance while also showcasing the skills and talents of our students,” Williams said.

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Colonial Life Awards Original Six Foundation a grant to support afterschool programs in rural underserved areas of South Carolina

“Colonial Life’s Equitable Pathways Grant supports the O6 Afterschool program’s goals of providing alternative opportunities for students in need,” says Tim Arnold, president and chief executive officer of Colonial Life. “The program offers students creative opportunities to learn and thrive, and many students will benefit from the program’s expansion.”

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Original Six Foundation to distribute over 30,000 books to kindergarten students in rural and underserved communities

Through the O6 My First Library program, over 3,000 South Carolina kindergarten students are invited to choose ten high-quality, grade-level summer reading books at end-of-the-year book fairs held throughout the state during the month of May. This year, the Original Six team will bring the My First Library program to 38 schools and distribute over 30,000 books setting a program record.

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We're Hiring!

The Program Coordinator works closely with the Program Director and will oversee multiple programs within partner schools throughout the state of South Carolina. Responsibilities include but are not limited to overseeing the O6 Afterschool program; fostering a nurturing environment with partner schools and students; supporting opportunities for growth and development within partner schools and with students.

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Original Six Foundation