ORANGEBURG A new educational pilot program, developed by SC State University 1890 Research & Extension, seeks to bolster the interest of higher education among South Carolina youth.

Helping Youth Pursue Education (HYPE) aims to increase post-secondary education opportunities for 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students in the Palmetto State.

Managed by SC State 1890 Extension’s Education Innovation and Support program (EIS), HYPE will operate with partnering high schools throughout the state. Each appointed HYPE instructor will work alongside members of the EIS team to deliver co-curricular geared towards encouraging youth to enroll in the college of their choice as well as provide the guidance and resources necessary to prepare them for the college experience.

“Statistics have shown that the youth we serve are undecided about college, and they don’t have a real plan in place after high school,” said Dr. Louis Whitesides, vice president and executive director of 1890 Programs. “The HYPE program was designed to teach our youth about the advantages of post-secondary education and how having a college degree can improve their quality of life. Education has to be the root of our youth’s decision-making as it relates to their future, and we believe this program, along with the HYPE instructor’s guidance, will accomplish this goal.”

Students will meet bi-weekly with the partnering high school’s HYPE instructor starting in the spring. The program features two college-readiness curricula, along with various workshops and activities for students. The program also includes college tours each semester and a week-long HYPE summer residential camp on a college/university campus (to be determined at a later date).

“Education matters, so it’s imperative that we provide the adequate resources needed to give youth the extra push and motivation needed to further their educational path,” said Dr. Derrick Wise, state program leader for education innovation and support, and HYPE program director. “I am confident that HYPE has the winning ingredients to make a meaningful impact in South Carolina’s post-secondary access and attainment rates. Families in rural communities will benefit significantly from the course curriculum, student workshops and various college tours the program offers.”

Beginning this semester, students will participate in the exciting virtual program, “Preparing for Life After High School”, a social-emotional learning curriculum designed to showcase pre-college concepts such as decision making, critical thinking, financial aid, scholarships and more. Developed by SC State alumnus and owner of Velocity Education Group, Marlo Prioleau, Preparing for Life After High School is an online course that chronicles the life of a young man navigating through mistakes while trying to determine the next step for after high school graduation.

“Education will always be a factor regarding economic stability, that’s why programs such as HYPE are critical for our young people because they spotlight the importance of college and education, and how it can be life-changing,” said Prioleau, ’00. “The earlier we can inform students about their options for life after high school, the more informed and prepared they will be upon graduation and beyond. Early intervention, awareness and exposure can shape a young mind and create positive outcomes regarding higher education.”

The HYPE Program reflects SC State 1890’s commitment to supporting local communities through partnering with five local high schools throughout the 1890 service regions.

SC State 1890 Extension has partnered with the following schools to deliver the HYPE program to students:

Marlboro County High School, Bennettsville in the Pee Dee Region;

Woodland High School, Dorchester in the Coastal Region;

Wade-Hampton High School, Hampton in the Low Country Region;

Lee Central High School, Bishopville in the Santee Wateree Region;

Southside High School, Greenville in the Upstate Region.

For information on the HYPE program or to register your child, contact Wise at 803-747-3090, or dwise5@scsu.edu.