Youth Empowerment Program -
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YEP?
How is YEP different from CHP?
At what schools is
YEP offered?
My school isn't listed. Can we
get YEP at our school?
YEP is offered at my school!
Can my son/daughter/student participate in YEP?
How much does it cost to participate in YEP?
Can I be a YEP staff member?
What is
YEP?
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is an afterschool program that operates at Bennettsville Elementary School in Marlboro County, South Carolina. A collaboration between the University of South Carolina, the Marlboro County School District, the Community Development Corporation of Marlboro County, and CareSouth Carolina, the YEP is an adaptation of the Challenging Horizons Program (CHP) that is designed to provide a needed uplift to youth in Marlboro County.
For the past three years, the YEP has provided innovative instruction and enrichment in many areas that are designed to with a focus on the following goals:
The primary activities of the YEP after-school program are: healthy snacking, assisted homework completion, training in organization and study skills, direct instruction in science, math and language arts related to science, and enrichment with a focus on physical education, healthy living, leadership skills, and positive interpersonal behavior. Furthermore, this program brings the students into contact with many positive role models, particularly service-learning students and community volunteers working in the program.
How is YEP different from CHP?
The YEP is a version of the CHP that has been adopted and
adapted by individuals in and around rural Marlboro County.
The focus of the YEP is on improving academics, promoting
health, assisting with career development, and engaging
students in positive community activities.
At what schools is
YEP offered?
Currently, YEP is offered at:
Bennettsville Elementary School
My school isn't listed. Can we get
YEP at our school?
The YEP is a significant project that requires the financial (and
philosophical) commitment of the university, the school
district, and community partners in order to be successful. If
you are interested in helping to coordinate resources to help
bring YEP (or CHP) to your school, we would be happy to discuss
this with you. Please see our Contact page for information on how to get in touch with us.
YEP is offered at my school! Can my son/daughter/student participate in
YEP?
If your child attends a school where there is an
existing program, we may be able to enroll your child or
put them on a short wait list. Please use the contact
information listed for your school to request more
information.
How much does it cost to participate in YEP?
The YEP in Marlboro County is provided through a
collaboration between the University of South Carolina, the
Marlboro County School District, the Community Development
Corporation of Marlboro County, and CareSouth Carolina. There is no charge to
families who participate in YEP.
Most of the staff in the CHP are service-learning students, either in high school or higher education. Most of the paid staff in the CHP or YEP have either served as a student or volunteer prior to being hired. Please contact a program coordinator to learn about volunteer opportunities at specific sites.
There are several classes at the University of South Carolina that give course credit for serving in the CHP. Please check the page for USC students for more information here.
If you are not a USC student and want to get involved, please contact Dr. Smith and he will work with you to explore volunteer or service-learning opportunities for your school.
