Our Story

ELEVATE Carolina grew from a realization that communities across South Carolina have the people, places, knowledge, and opportunities needed to play a meaningful role in how young people learn and grow. Through conversations with educators, families, employers, community organizations, and local leaders, we saw how much communities have to offer young people and the potential that exists when those strengths are intentionally connected to learning. The work that shaped ELEVATE Carolina began with Palmetto Pathways Academy, a planned school model designed around this same idea. As the work evolved, so did the vision, changing from a school concept into a nonprofit organization designed to work in support of schools to create opportunities for young people to learn through communities, workplaces, and schools across South Carolina. Communities have much to contribute, and schools should not have to do this work alone. ELEVATE Carolina was established to create more ways for young people to learn from, contribute to, and grow alongside their communities. We believe every community has something to teach, every young person has something to contribute, and when schools and communities work together, both become stronger.