2025 SCALE Fellows

Aileen Mahoney

Operations Coordinator: Auxiliary Programs, Christ Church Episcopal School

“Out of school time can provide children access to enrichment, play and relationships that increases academic, social and emotional success. My drive to be successful is simple; it is only an advantage if out of school time is ‘time well spent.’ The programs, culture and offerings in afterschool are opportunities to impact children’s lives and engage them into the community in a deeper way.”

Angela “Nicke” Haney

CEO, Brown Girls Read

“The uniqueness of after-school and summer learning lies in the profound impact it can have on a child by helping them map out their future and providing opportunities to build essential skills.”

Beth Lechner

Program Director, SC Career Kids

“Afterschool and summer learning programs are uniquely valuable because they provide opportunities to extend education beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. These programs allow students to explore a wide range of interests and possibilities in a way that state-mandated standards often cannot accommodate. By creating an environment where skills learned in school can be applied creatively and practically, students have the freedom to pursue personal interests and passions. For example, they might use literacy skills to craft and perform a play or employ their natural curiosity to conduct scientific experiments, fostering a deeper connection with their learning.”

Cheyenne Helfrich

Program Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of York County

“I find that the unique value in afterschool and summer learning is that it’s a space where we can keep the children excited about learning outside of the traditional classroom. In the afterschool space, the child may have more freedoms to pursue and explore passions and interests, as well as garner fundamental life skills. Such as Leadership, Citizenry, Confidence, and Teamwork. The afterschool program can cater to the children’s unique interests while still emphasizing these skills along with providing academic support. What drives me to be successful in this work is the relationship and result of the afterschool program’s success in fostering all of these pursuits.”

Christopher Emanuel

Director, SBC – Teen After School Center

“Afterschool and summer learning programs provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and the broader skills and experiences that children need to thrive. These programs are spaces where students can explore their passions, develop critical life skills, and gain exposure to new opportunities in a supportive, nurturing environment. They level the playing field for students who may not have access to enriching activities outside of school, fostering equity and long-term success.”

Cissy Graham

Director of the After School Program & Computer Teacher, Dutch Fork Elementary – Lexington Richland District 5

“The unique value of afterschool and summer learning lies in the ability to bridge gaps, spark curiosity, and provide opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional classroom. These programs should offer safe, enriching environments where students can explore new interests, build critical skills, and form positive relationships. They are especially impactful in leveling the playing field for students in under-resourced communities, preventing summer learning loss, and fostering social-emotional growth.”

Ginni Aban

Extended Day Director, Berkeley County School District

“The unique value of afterschool and summer learning is the opportunity for student interests to steer the learning experience. Encouraging students to go deeper, discover connections, and experience the pride of personal growth drives me to continued success.”

Julie Hollister

Vice President of Youth & Family Services, YMCA of Greenville

“Both after-school and summer learning programs are unique extensions of the community care model, complementing schools, sports, clubs, and youth groups. These programs create spaces that prioritize relationships, achievement, and a sense of belonging. While they often meet the practical need for childcare, they also offer the opportunity to provide so much more—fostering meaningful connections and holistic growth for every child.

“Both after-school and summer learning programs are unique extensions of the community care model, complementing schools, sports, clubs, and youth groups. These programs create spaces that prioritize relationships, achievement, and a sense of belonging. While they often meet the practical need for childcare, they also offer the opportunity to provide so much more—fostering meaningful connections and holistic growth for every child.”

Liz Zimmerman Keitt

Founder/Director, Project Life: Positeen, Inc.

“To see young people accomplishing goals such as, Presidential Scholars, A/B Honor Roll, and being promoted to the next grade level.”

Pasty H. Gardner

Executive Director, A Second Chance Resource Center Network United Inc.

“Afterschool and summer learning programs provide a unique and critical value by addressing educational, social, and emotional gaps that traditional school settings often cannot fully meet. These programs offer safe, structured environments where youth can explore their interests, develop skills, and receive personalized support. They also help bridge the ‘opportunity gap,’ especially for at-risk youth, by giving them access to academic enrichment, mentorship, and resources that might otherwise be unavailable.

“What makes afterschool and summer learning particularly impactful is their ability to create holistic growth experiences. They not only help students improve academically but also build their confidence, social skills, and resilience. By fostering positive relationships with caring mentors and peers, these programs empower young people to envision and pursue brighter futures.”

Sabrina Miller

Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakelands

“Afterschool and summer learning presents a unique opportunity to affect the lives of children in impactful and lifelong ways, that in school time are unable to. To be a part of this unique opportunity that allows us to see youth grow and blossom into successful and caring adults is what drives me to do this work.”

Sattin Young

Program Officer, Office of Expanded Learning- Charleston County School District

“Afterschool and summer learning programs are vital for whole-child development. They offer resources and nurturing environments where youth can explore their interests, discover their voice, and expand their village, providing the encouragement every child deserves.

“The profound impact of afterschool programming on my life fuels my passion for this work. I am committed to creating inclusive, engaging spaces that empower every child. Each day, I strive to ensure our programs inspire growth, foster creativity and connection, and open doors to meaningful opportunities for all.”

Shanda “Shon” Crawford

Director of Special Projects and Program, Dreams Imagination & Gift

“Afterschool and summer learning programs provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional classroom learning and real-world applications. These programs create a safe, engaging environment where students can explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and gain exposure to fields they might not encounter during regular school hours, especially in STEM. They also play a critical role in addressing educational inequities by offering resources and mentorship to students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.”

Sonja Rush-Harvin

Site Coordinator, Williamsburg County School District- C.E. Murray Middle School

“Afterschool and summer learning programs provides opportunities for scholars to receive addition academic support to bridge the gaps in the traditional classroom. I am driven by the fact that afterschool and summer learning provide a safe learning environment that promotes growth and development. I am also driven by the fact that underserved or disadvantaged scholars have access to STEAM activities, SEL activities and extracurriculars they might not otherwise have.”

Sonya Pearson

Youth Program Director, Pleasant Valley Connection

“The unique value of afterschool and summer learning is that it gives the children a chance to have a continuous of education in a different setting other than school. Seeing the growth of the children from when they enter the program in kindergarten and stay through fifth grade.”

Stacie Coleman

Math Lead and Teacher of 7th-8th Grade Math and Algebra 1; Lead Teacher for Afterschool Program, School District of Newberry County Newberry Middle School

“Afterschool and summer learning is more targeted to meeting the individualized needs of students and making sure that they are learning targeted information. This is different than a traditional classroom because there are many times community partners are used. Students are also exposed to field studies that they may not have access to during the school year. One of the things that drives me is making and impact and changing the lives and academic journey of students that I encounter in these programs. I have the potential to change how students think about their academic success in these settings.”

Tonya Mayes

Founding Director, PreDestined Teen Outreach

“The unique value of Afterschool for teens provides a safe space for them to come so they can learn, grow, and be exposed to opportunities that may not otherwise be afforded.

“Summer learning provides opportunities to actively learn outside of the classroom and to be engaged while actively implementing what they’ve learned throughout the school year.”

Toya Y. Moore

Director of Youth and Family Programs (Upstate Circle of Friends); Community Health Worker (Spartanburg), Upstate Circle of Friends/Bloom Upstate (Nprogress Consulting, LLC)

“The value of summer and after school learning is that students get a unique opportunity to learn in an nontraditional environment, outside of the confines of a classroom. these programs can enhance traditional school learning, and (depending on the program) allows the students to have exposure to people, experiences and activities that they may not get in school. I am driven to be successful in this work for a number of reasons. The main reason is that I care about the children in my community and want them to be successful. I want them to be successful, knowledgeable and capable in as many areas of their growth and development. In order for them to be able to do that, I feel compelled to do this work with them.”

Tracy Goodwin

21st CCLC Program Director, Lexington School District One

“The impact of afterschool and summer learning offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and real-world experiences as well as foster social and emotional development, promote positive relationships, and instill a lifelong love of learning. Supporting students academically is important to help fill gaps in student learning; however, these programs extends beyond academic achievement. Providing a safe and supportive environment where students can explore their interests, develop essential skills, and build confidence are key components to these programs.”

Valente’ Gibson

Coordinator of 21st Century Grant, Richland School District Two 21st Century Afterschool Program

“The unique value of afterschool and summer learning is that they create opportunities, build community, and achieve academic progress. They can personalize student learning experiences, enhance social skills, and support families.

“I am committed to this work because I strive to inspire innovation and critical thinking among students, families, and educators. My goal is to grow students from their current levels, equip families with the tools to support their children and themselves and empower educators to create meaningful lessons and change within these programs.”

Vanessa Stevenson

Prevention and Intervention Coordinator, South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

“The opportunities that students are exposed to are paramount. Whenever they see ‘it,’ they are more inclined to believe that ‘it’ is attainable.”

Verta Thompson

Executive Director, Avery C. Thompson SR Community Center

“I feel the unique value of afterschool and summer learning is to give youth a safe and caring learning environment to achieve their dreams and goals. My drive is to support at risk youth and families because many of my community low-income families work on Hilton Head Island and leave home around 5:00 A.M. to catch the bus and return around 7:00 P.M. Afterschool and summer learning provide support and peace of mind to youth and their parents.”