School Support
School Support
Across the country, natural gas utilities are finding meaningful ways to invest in the communities they serve. For SCANA Energy, that commitment takes shape in metro Atlanta classrooms after the school bell rings.
SCANA Energy sponsors homework centers at nine Title I elementary schools throughout metro Atlanta, helping students build the academic skills they need to succeed. Designed for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, the after-school programs focus on homework assistance, study skills and individualized support at a critical stage of learning.
Each site serves up to 30 students to maintain an effective student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring children receive the attention they need. Parents and teachers recommend students for participation, with priority given to those who would benefit most from additional academic support. While all students are eligible, the program is tailored to reach those facing the greatest challenges.
SCANA Energy works with 21st Century Leaders, a youth leadership and development organization, which helps manage the homework centers and ensures donations are used efficiently and effectively. Contributions support essential needs such as food, school supplies and academic programming—removing barriers that can prevent students from thriving.
“What stands out most is how much confidence students gain when they know someone is consistently in their corner. During the last school year, more than 90% of students made measurable gains in math, reading and science, reinforcing why the work matters,” says Carol King, senior marketing professional at SCANA Energy who manages corporate sponsorships, social impact and PR.
To further amplify its impact, SCANA Energy committed to matching all donations to the homework centers for several weeks during the winter months. The matching effort not only doubled the resources available to students but also encouraged employees, customers and community partners to engage directly in the program’s success.
Participating schools include Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, Beecher Hills Elementary, Campbell Elementary, Dunaire Elementary, G.W. Northcutt Elementary, James A. Jackson Elementary, Smoke Rise Elementary, Stone Mill Elementary, Stonewall Tell Elementary and Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy.
While the primary beneficiaries are students and families, SCANA Energy also sees tangible benefits from its investment. By addressing education and equity, SCANA Energy aligns its community engagement with long-term regional vitality—an approach increasingly important to customers, regulators, and stakeholders alike. The homework centers strengthen community trust, reinforce the company’s local presence, and provide employees with a clear sense of pride in their employer’s mission. “At SCANA Energy, community support isn’t separate from what we do—it’s part of how we show up for the neighborhoods we serve,” King notes.
For utilities interested in expanding their community impact, SCANA Energy’s homework center model offers several lessons:
- Start local and focused. Targeting specific schols and age groups allows for measurable results.
- Leverage trusted partners. Collaborating with established organizations like 21st Century Leaders ensures programs are well-managed and sustainable.
- Encourage participation. Matching donations and clear calls to action engage employees and customers alike.
- Invest early. Supporting students at the elementary level can yield lifelong benefits for individuals and communities.
By helping students thrive, SCANA Energy is investing in the future strength of metro Atlanta and demonstrating how utilities can play a meaningful role in building opportunities where they matter most.