Our Shared Impact

Building Hope

Working together, the possibilities for our SC schools and students are limitless!

Janine’s Story

Janine’s Story “The SCDE sent volunteers last spring to help us with specific events at Sandel Elementary School. The volunteers helped us with Muffins for Moms, No Tardy Glow Party, Parent Appreciation Day, and Kindergarten Graduation. They came early and stayed…
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Juanita’s Story

Juanita’s Story “Volunteering with Project Raise Your Hand has been extremely rewarding for me as a former educator. I had the blessed opportunity to work in a first-year teacher’s classroom and saw first-hand the need for physical, emotional, and…
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Dawn’s Story

Dawn’s Story “Today was nothing short of amazing! They [the students] were still in related arts when I arrived so I was able to participate in PE with them. When I told the teacher what I did with the agency and…
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“Volunteering with Project Raise Your Hand (PRYH) afforded me an opportunity to experience a unique perspective of how our program contributes to successful educational outcomes. As a 46-year employee in the Office of Health and Nutrition, I was able to see the enthusiasm the children have for the quality of meals our school food service professionals prepare daily.”

Diane Gillie

Program Coordinator, Health and Nutrition

“Being a working mom of two young children, I’m not able to consistently volunteer in the community as much as I would like. This program is a wonderful way to fulfill the personal need to help in the community while working for the people of South Carolina.”

Jennifer Austin

Ombudsman, Governmental Affairs

“Volunteering at Pine Grove Elementary school last year was such a joy. I have fond memories of volunteering there as a reader over 20 years ago and was so elated to resume volunteering last year.”

Joann Minder

Team Leader, Health and Nutrition

“The highlight of my service was decorating Ms. Anderson’s bulletin boards to create displays for the students’ last two units of the school year. I found myself excited to volunteer. It was the highlight of my biweekly schedule. I enjoyed volunteering so much that I have increased my frequency of volunteering to once per week for the upcoming PRYH cycle!”

Katie Malkiewicz

Program Coordinator, Office of Virtual Education

“The great teaching that was taking place at Eau Claire High inspired me. I signed up to be a Math Tutor several times, and the students were tutoring me. I enjoyed interacting with the students and brushing up on my math skills. I raised my hand and it was thoroughly self-gratifying.”

Kevin Little

CS Regional Coach for Pee Dee Region

“My participation in PRYH at W. A. Perry Middle School was a super rewarding experience and a win-win for all involved! I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the students and working with Ms. Marube, an awesome Math teacher! Most definitely looking forward to the reconnection!”

Regina Thurmond

SCDE Family and Community Engagement Liaison

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

Martin Luther King, Jr.