Sumter Education Foundation receives $190,00 donation
Sumter Education Foundation has received a $190,000 donation from the Williams Brice Edwards Charitable Trust to support the launch of an innovative new initiative designed to improve academic outcomes for students at Crosswell Drive Elementary School: The Mobile Learning Express: Cardinal Scholars program.
Crosswell Drive Elementary School is a high-poverty, Title I school serving approximately 460 students in grades PreK-5. With 100 percent of students qualifying for free lunch and ranking as the seventh-most impoverished elementary school in South Carolina according to the 2024 Poverty Index, the need for targeted academic intervention is urgent. According to the 2023-2024 South Carolina School Report Card, only 33 percent of students met state reading standards and just 30 percent met math benchmarks.
The Cardinal Scholars program is designed to address these challenges by bringing high-quality afterschool tutoring directly into students' neighborhoods through a specially outfitted small RV-type mobile learning vehicle. By removing transportation barriers, the program will provide accessible academic support Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. during key academic and summer months.
"The Mobile Learning Express allows us to meet students where they are - literally," said Principal Dr. Shawn Hagerty. "This program removes a major barrier to learning while delivering consistent, targeted academic support to students who need it most."
In addition to homework assistance and skill development in reading and math, the program will equip parents with tools and strategies to support learning at home, further strengthening student success beyond the school day.
As part of the program, organizations that support the Mobile Learning Express will have the opportunity to be recognized with logo placement on the vehicle, serving as a visible and lasting symbol of their commitment to educational equity and community impact.
"Together, we can remove barriers, raise achievement and deliver hope one neighborhood at a time," Hagerty said.