Welcome!  Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions, as well as links to information you may be looking for.


        What is CHP?
        What is YEP?
        What are Supplemental Education Services?
        At which schools do you offer your programs?
        How much does it cost to offer CHP/YEP to families?
        CHP/YEP is offered at my school! Can I nominate a student to participate in CHP/YEP?
        My school isn't listed.  Can we get CHP/YEP at our school?
        Our school already offers CHP/YEP. Where can I find information about our specific program (e.g. schedule, contact information)?
       

What is CHP?
CHP stands for Challenging Horizons Program. The CHP is an award-winning approach to helping students with learning or behavior problems improve their academics, citizenship, and personal health. The CHP behavior support system provides a safe learning environment. Research-tested tutoring and enrichment activities engage students in productive learning. The CHP is usually provided as an after-school or summer program.

For a thorough description of the CHP and a summary of the research supporting its efficacy, please visit our research page.

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:

 

  • improve academic performance
  • promote positive behavior
  • develop career skills
  • increase civic engagement

    • 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.


    At which schools do you offer your programs?
    Currently, CHP is offered at:
            Conder Elementary School
            Hyatt Park Elementary School
            Irmo Middle School
            Leaphart Elementary School

     

    YEP is offered at:
            Bennettsville Elementary School

     

    Supplemental Education Services are offered at:
            Marlboro County Schools

     

    How much does it cost to offer CHP/YEP to families?

    Under our current model, almost all CHP services are provided at no cost to families. This is possible through 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants, Supplemental Education Services, and other grants and awards. In some cases, parents may pay a fee for students to participate in a CHP program, but at the present time, pay-for-service programs are only available at the after-school program at Irmo Middle School and the TLC Transition for Success Program at Dent Middle School.

    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. 

    If you are interested in discussing ideas for securing funding to bring CHP/YEP to your school, please visit our Contact Us page to get in touch with Dr. Smith.

     

    CHP/YEP is offered at my school! Can I nominate a student to participate in CHP/YEP?
    If your school already has an existing program, we may be able to enroll the child or put them on a short wait list if it is determined that the CHP/YEP is an appropriate resource for that child.  Please use the contact information listed on your school's page (see Locations) to request more information, or talk with the CHP/YEP coordinator at your school.


    My school isn't listed. Can we get CHP/YEP at our school?
    If you are interested in partnering with the CHP or YEP, you should contact chp.usc@gmail.com and we will discuss with you the many options for collaborating with the CHP and/or YEP to develop new programs.

     

    Our school already offers CHP/YEP. Where can I find information about our specific program (e.g. schedule, contact information)?

    CHP Services:
            Conder Elementary School
            Hyatt Park Elementary School
            Irmo Middle School
            Leaphart Elementary School

    YEP Services:
            Bennettsville Elementary School


    Supplemental Education Services:
            Marlboro County Schools