ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded the distinguished EVERFI Empowered Seal for its commendable commitment to using evidence-informed strategies in teaching vital skills such as financial literacy, social- emotional learning, health and wellness, literacy, and careers. This award solidifies OCSD's position as a leader in whole-child education.

The Empowered Seal was awarded to OCSD in 2023, following a rigorous evaluation process that considered various criteria. These included alignment with the Principles of Effective Prevention Programs published by Nation, et al. (2003), and the use of EVERFI's complimentary life skills resources by more than ten percent of the district's student population. Areas of focus included financial education, career exploration, character education, and health & wellness.

"We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to the holistic development of our students," said Faith Arthur, OCSD's Coordinator of School Counselors. "This recognition underscores our commitment to equipping our students with the essential skills necessary to navigate the complex world of the 21st century. Our partnership with EVERFI has allowed us to enrich our curriculum in ways that have a lifelong impact on our students and their families."

In addition to this accolade, OCSD now qualifies to apply for one of six exclusive $1,000 grants, a unique opportunity available only to 2023 Empowered Seal districts. This presents an exciting chance to further enhance the learning experiences of students in the district.

The district wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated counselors and career specialists whose unwavering commitment and hard work have contributed significantly to this achievement.
 
EVERFI commends the forward-thinking initiatives of OCSD, expressing gratitude especially to Faith Arthur for her continued leadership in implementing EVERFI programs in Orangeburg County Schools.