PEP Programs

PEP has a 24 year history of organizing and managing programs that benefit Aiken County Public Schools’ teachers and students.  Currently, PEP is involved with the planning, coordination, and/or funding of the following programs.

PEP Classroom Innovation Grants — Applications Due: October 20, 2023 and Spring Feb 15, 2024

The overarching goal of the PEP Classroom Innovation Grant is to support teachers in developing creative and innovative methodologies and strategies that engage and enhance student learning in measurable and meaningful ways. PEP’s goal is hold at least two rounds of Classroom Grants per school year.
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Baby’s First Teacher

BFT is a partnership between ACPSD, Aiken Regional Hospital, First Steps, PEP, and retired teachers. Parents of each new baby born at Aiken Regional Hospital receive a gift bag (English or Spanish) that includes a board book, developmental toy and literature on the importance of reading to one’s baby from birth.
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Garcia Orchestra Festival

For 11 years, the Aiken County Garcia Orchestra Festival has provided students with the opportunity to rehearse and perform in concert under guest clinicians. Participants are 6th -12th grade students in Aiken County stringed instrument music programs or high school bands.
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Midland Valley High School & ATC Early College

This program allows rising sophomores at Midland Valley to begin their college coursework early and earn an associates degree from ATC before graduating from high school. Midland Valley High School is the only Early College Program in Aiken County.
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Technical Scholars Tour

The Technical Scholars Program is a partnership between Aiken Tech and multiple local industries wherein the sponsoring companies help pay for students’ tuition and books, and offer them part-time employment, to give them experience in the workplace. PEP’s tour of the program gives potential participants a chance to speak with students who have taken advantage of it. The tour also gives them information on how to apply and join the program.
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TEE Up to Read

PEP has partnered with the Kisner Foundation to help enroll Aiken County children ages 0-5 in Tee Up to Read. The Tee Up to Read program, Ferst Readers of Aiken County, sends a child one age-appropriate book each month until the child’s fifth birthday. Included with each book is a parent/caregiver newsletter that contains additional tools and resources that promote the importance of reading and communicating with children beginning at birth. These resources help better prepare a child with necessary skills before entering kindergarten.
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If you are interested in volunteering your time or contributing financially to any of our programs, or have an idea for a new program, please contact us at PEPedAiken@gmail.com.