Bennettsville YEP (Youth Empowerment Program) is an afterschool program funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CLCC) Grant.

The YEP Program at Bennettsville Elementary school operates Monday -Friday 2:30-5:30 This program is designed to improve elementary school students’ academic performance, classroom behavior, school attendance, family literacy involvement, and cultural enrichment. The program implements a consistent behavioral support system, continuous performance feedback, tutoring, and homework help. On Fridays it's Fun Friday which includes extra outdoor activities (relay games, kickball, football etc.), YEP Challenge, Math Games, and Hip Hop Abs.

The family consultant, Mr. Dixon, works with our parents to help students be their best in the program and at school. Mr. Dixon also works with the community to set up the family literacy programs that support the mission of the Youth Empowerment Program.

YEP staff members are teachers, service-learning students from the University of South Carolina, and volunteers from Marlboro County High School and the surrounding community. All of the staff complete background checks and training prior to working with the students. Most paid staff serve as a student or volunteer for a semester prior to being hired.

For questions about the YEP please contact Victoria Gordon.