NORTH, S.C. — Bright Star Learning Center in North received a grant to assist with their afterschool program.
The Department of Social Services awarded Bright Star Learning Center a $35,000 materials, health and safety grant.
Bright Star used this to purchase kitchen appliances and a fence.
The learning center is located next to the train tracks. Now, with the fence in place, students are safer.
Brenda Jamison is the director and owner of Bright Star Learning Center. She says the fence was a necessary addition.
“We’re near the train track, and when they go out and play ball and do whatever activities we have, it’s a safety issue,” said Jamison. “We would just go next door to the park but with the fence, it contains the kids so they can’t go near the track.”
One of the aspects of the learning center is that students who are a part of the program receive free meals.
Jamison said the center was able to purchase an industrial refrigerator, freezer and stove with the grant. Prior to this, her options weren’t fulfilling the needs of the learning center.
“When you have a lot of kids and you have to purchase a lot of supplies, it has allowed us to do more of bulk buying,” said Jamison. “Then you don’t have to worry about where I’m going to put it.”
In addition, the Bright Star Learning Center also received a $25,000 technology grant from the Department of Social Services to purchase iPads, smart boards and internet service.
