Aiken nonprofit Aiken Outreach provides quick funding for local students’ needs

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) — In Aiken County classrooms, students are working hard to reach their goals.

“We wanna make sure that everybody is included and no one is left out,” Aiken Outreach board member Kate Antrim said.

Aiken Outreach, a nonprofit, fills the gap—helping cover costs for high schoolers’ field trips, uniforms, and supplies. A $10,000 grant from local equestrian facility Stable View keeps support flowing to all Aiken County high schools.

“We have talked about fees for sports, but apparently they’re well-funded,” she added. “The problem really lies in the academic area, the need, and also in terms of the social need.”

They work with teachers and counselors to find students who need a little extra help. They may have a fee for a class, like welding classes or culinary classes, which cost money. They may want to go to a technical school to take an off-campus course. We hear that request, and then we decide whether we will fund it or not. 99.9% of the time, we do.”

The process is simple. A teacher or counselor submits a request, and Aiken Outreach acts fast.

“It’s usually within 24 hours. I drive out and give them the check; that’s my job.”

Since it’s all volunteers, every dollar goes directly to students. No overhead, no delays.

“Just recently we supplied South Aiken High with ties for the gentleman to wear when they graduate ’cause they’re hard to come by and they’re expensive,” Antrim recalled.

Aiken Outreach focuses on high schools, with plans for a fundraiser to help the community connect with their cause—quietly supporting everything from yearbooks to prom tickets.

“No is a word we don’t use or try not to use because we wanna help these students.”

If you want to learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit https://aikenoutreach.com/