• Funding from Richland County enabled Wings for Kids to deliver high-quality afterschool social emotional learning (SEL) programming to 130 K–5 students at Harbison West Elementary School — providing safe, structured support during the critical hours after the school day ends.
• This kind of public-nonprofit partnership is essential to expanding access to high-quality afterschool programming in communities where it is needed most.  

This past school year, support from Richland County enabled Wings for Kids to provide high-quality afterschool programming to 130 K–5 students at Harbison West Elementary School. Richland County's funding kept the program running during a critical window of the day — the hours between the end of school and the end of the workday — when students need a safe, structured environment and families need reliable care. Without this investment, many of these students would not have had access to the support and enrichment WINGS provides.

Wings for Kids is an afterschool program with a mission to equip disadvantaged children with the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school, stay in school, and thrive in life. WINGS serves elementary-age students whose families have limited access to safe, high-quality afterschool options. The program focuses on the whole child — not just academic performance, but the relational, emotional, and social skills that shape how kids navigate school, friendships, and everyday challenges.

Each afternoon at Harbison West, students participated in a structured program built around academic support, enrichment activities, and intentional social-emotional skill building. Students completed homework with guidance from caring adult mentors, took part in group activities designed to build teamwork and leadership, tried new things during enrichment time, and practiced conflict resolution skills in real situations. Staff created an environment where every student was known by name, encouraged to take on challenges, and celebrated for their growth.

Over the course of the school year, Harbison West students built confidence, strengthened their ability to work as part of a team, and developed leadership skills they can carry into the classroom and beyond. Practicing social-emotional skills in a consistent, supportive setting helped students learn how to manage their emotions, resolve conflict constructively, and build positive relationships with peers and adults. These are skills that research shows are directly linked to academic success and long-term wellbeing.

For students, WINGS at Harbison West provided a place where they were safe, supported, and seen every single afternoon. For families, it offered the consistency and peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are in good hands. Richland County's commitment to funding this work reflects a recognition that what happens after the school bell rings matters just as much as what happens during the school day. This partnership means more children in the Harbison West community had access to the structure, encouragement, and relationships they need to succeed — and WINGS is grateful for it.