SC Public Charter School District Kids First Podcast

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen is joined by Dr. Perry Mills from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Dr. James Thompson, Workforce Development Manager at the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, for a timely discussion on how South Carolina can better prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Dr. Thompson shares how his statewide role connects K12 schools, higher education, and industry partners so students can move seamlessly from classrooms into high-demand careers in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and public safety.The conversation digs into why workforce development must start well before high school, with early career exploration, apprenticeships, internships, and even virtual reality experiences that help students "get their hands dirty" while building essential soft skills. Keven, Dr. Mills, and Dr. Thompson also address lingering social skill gaps from the COVID years and explain how schools, families, and employers can work together so that more South Carolina students graduate truly career and college ready.🔗 Learn more: https://che.sc.gov/

On this episode of Kids First on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen is joined by Richard Shepard, high school principal of York Preparatory Academy in Rock Hill. Richard shares how York Prep, a K–12 public charter school, continues to thrive through teamwork, strong family engagement, and an unwavering focus on student success. He discusses the school's "Futures in Focus" program, which connects students with colleges, career counselors, and local businesses to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.The conversation highlights York Prep's culture of high expectations, its flexibility to make real-time improvements, and its commitment to investing in teachers and students alike. Richard and Keven also touch on York Prep's national recognition, its vibrant programs that include athletics and performing arts, and the school's upcoming appearance in Washington, D.C.'s 250th Memorial Day Parade.🔗 Learn more: https://www.yorkprepsc.org/

On this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley welcome Dr. Keith Bailey, founder and executive director of Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy in Bishopville. Dr. Bailey shares the school's journey from humble beginnings on a gravel road to becoming a thriving K–12 community that champions innovation through a problem-based learning model tailored to real-world challenges.The conversation celebrates the opening of PDMSTA's brand-new facility. It honors the legacy of Dr. Bailey's late mother, whose vision laid the foundation for educational opportunity in rural Lee County. Together, the guests discuss how collaboration, community pride, and dedicated educators are building hope and academic excellence for local students.🔗 Learn more: https://www.pdmsta.org/

On this Thanksgiving edition of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, host Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley share a heartfelt conversation about gratitude for students, families, educators, and the communities that make South Carolina's public charter schools possible. Between talk of turkey, football, and time with family, Keven and Chris reflect on the blessing of having children home for the holiday and the privilege of serving kids through a show that always keeps "kids first" at the center.​The episode also offers a glimpse into why this season of thankfulness is so meaningful for the charter school community, highlighting how school choice, hands-on learning, and strong parent commitment are helping students build brighter futures across the state. Listeners hear how charter schools are embracing local needs, expanding opportunities, and preparing students for college, careers, and life, all while staying focused on what is best for every child in South Carolina.​🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org/

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes John S. Payne from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Kim Statler, Executive Director of Polaris Tech Charter School in Ridgeland. Kim recounts the school's growth from its 2018 opening with grades 6 to 10 to becoming a full K-12 program serving over 500 learners. She highlights how Polaris Tech's mission centers on academic achievement, intentional support, and expanding career pathways in fields like aerospace, IT, and business, all of which are vital in South Carolina's evolving job market. Kim notes the importance of exposing students to real-world opportunities and emphasizes the school's robust dual enrollment program with local colleges, allowing high schoolers to earn college credits and certificates before graduation. Kim points out the school's strategy of maintaining small class sizes and a close-knit community to maximize individual impact. At the same time, John shares how charter schools like Polaris Tech offer families the freedom to choose educational options not limited by geography. The episode shines a light on Polaris Tech's hands-on learning approach, community engagement, and workforce development, highlighting how educators and families are committed to driving student success in Jasper County.🔗 Learn more: https://www.polaristech.org/

On this special Veterans Day episode of Kids First Radio, host Keven Cohen welcomes Superintendent Chris Neeley and Dr. Sara Jane Arnett from the Military Child Education Coalition, spotlighting the sacrifices and resilience of veterans, military families, and children in South Carolina. The discussion explores Sara Jane's personal story, her role supporting hundreds of Purple Star Schools, and the ways military-connected students and families navigate frequent relocations and challenges, finding strength in strong community support networks and specialized resources. Chris and Sara Jane share experiences from their own family lives, emphasizing how public schools, empathy, and programs like those offered by MCEC make a tangible difference for military kids.The episode covers the importance of asking for help, the realities of deployments, and the lasting impacts on kids growing up in military families, showing how compassion and educational support can build resilience for a lifetime.🔗 Learn more: https://militarychild.org/

On this episode of Kids First Radio, Robbie Compton, head of school at Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill, joins Keven Cohen to share insights about the K-12 charter school's unique approach to education. With a current enrollment of about 800 students, Riverwalk Academy emphasizes project-based learning, where students engage in hands-on problem-solving connected to real-world experiences rather than traditional rote learning. Robbie highlights the school's strong community, high staff retention, and seamless growth from kindergarten through 12th grade, all of which contribute to a vibrant learning environment.The conversation also touches on Riverwalk's success in preparing students for college and careers by developing crucial soft skills such as collaboration, creativity, and communication, alongside academic achievement. Robbie explains how the school navigated challenges during the COVID years by adapting project-based learning to remote education, which helped maintain student engagement and growth. Listeners will get a glimpse of the school's culture and its impact on students who graduate well-rounded and workforce-ready. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.riverwalkacademy.com/

On today's Kids First Radio, Keven Cohen is joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley for a discussion on the value proposition of charter schools and the landscape of school choice across the country. The episode highlights South Carolina's commitment to educational opportunities, including a new military child preference bill supporting families who relocate for service. It explores how charter schools are innovating to meet the diverse needs of students and parents across the state. Through candid conversation, Keven and Chris address both the successes and challenges of charter growth, emphasizing the importance of parental voice, collaboration with community leaders, and creative solutions to expand access where it's needed most.🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org/

On this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen is joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley and special guest Dana Abbott, Director of School-Based Mental Health Services at the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. Dana explains how SCYAP supports charter school communities by providing critical therapy and mental health resources to students and families in need. She discusses the organization's statewide reach, its role as a Medicaid-approved provider, and how partnerships with schools help ensure children receive timely, accessible mental health care during the school day.The discussion with Chris and Keven explores how mental wellness connects to academic and personal success, tackling issues such as social media's impact on children, early intervention, and the growing destigmatization surrounding mental health support. The episode sheds light on SCYAP's crucial efforts to help South Carolina's most underserved students while empowering schools to meet emotional and behavioral health needs through compassion and collaboration.🔗 Learn more: https://www.scyap.com/