South Carolina Empowerment Centre (SCEC) was launched to address the increasing challenges facing youth living in generational poverty by providing support, mentorship, and services that encourage youth to realize their full potential. One of the most urgent needs facing these children is overcoming the cycle of generational poverty and the challenges associated with poverty (i.e. increased teen p
regnancy rates, higher drop-out rates, and limited post-secondary education opportunities). Many of these children are living in single-parent households where the parent/adult caregiver lacks a high school education, resulting in limited career potential and financial instability. Generational poverty also has drastic impacts on a child’s educational attainment, health and wellness, and social/emotional development. These children are at higher risk than their more affluent peers to be attracted to risky behaviors and life choices such as gang activity and drug use, and generally have less supportive networks (family, school, and neighborhood). Factors that improve a child’s ability to overcome the cycle of generational poverty are positive social influences that can be gained through involvement in afterschool programs that focus on mentorship, career exploration, and workforce and leadership development. SCEC is a community-based service organization that uses this evidence-based approach to support youth during their elementary, middle and high-school years.
