Greenville, S.C. – Kids On Point has been named the winner of the 2026 Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award, awarded annually by The Riley Institute at Furman University. Named after former U.S. Secretary of Education and two-term South Carolina governor Richard Riley and his late wife Tunky, the award recognizes exceptional programs improving outcomes for students across South Carolina public education.
Kids On Point will be honored alongside 2026 WhatWorksSC finalists Summer SOAR of Richland County School District One and the Darlington County School District Office of Career Readiness at the 16th annual WhatWorksSC Award Celebration in Columbia, South Carolina. Together, these programs reflect a range of evidence-informed approaches strengthening student success across the state. Through WhatWorksSC, The Riley Institute elevates and shares these approaches with educators, policymakers, and community leaders to inform practice across South Carolina.
As South Carolina continues to face persistent challenges in student achievement and access to high-quality learning opportunities—particularly outside the traditional school day—programs like Kids On Point demonstrate how consistent, research-informed support can improve outcomes for students and families.
Based in Charleston, Kids On Point provides free, year-round afterschool and summer programming serving more than 500 students annually. Its comprehensive model integrates academic support, enrichment, mentorship, and family engagement to support both student achievement and long-term success.
The program’s impact is reflected in measurable outcomes. In the past year, more than 54% of participating students improved their overall GPA, and the share of students in the top quartile of language arts performance increased by 9%. High levels of family engagement also underscore the program’s reach, with 96% of parents reporting a positive experience.
“Programs like Kids On Point reflect what is possible when communities invest in the educational ecosystem that reaches beyond the traditional school day,” said Kelly Gregory of The Riley Institute. “Their work highlights the important role that afterschool and summer learning play in strengthening educational outcomes.”
In addition to academic gains, Kids On Point provides wraparound supports—including meals and transportation—that help reduce barriers to participation and enable families to maintain employment. By aligning programming with school priorities and community needs, the organization contributes to both student success and broader economic stability.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Kids On Point Executive Director Lauren Herterich. “This award reflects the commitment of our staff, students, families, and partners working together to create meaningful opportunities for young people to succeed in school and beyond.”
The award celebration, featuring an in-depth conversation with representatives from Kids On Point, will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on April 30 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon is open to the public, and tickets and table sponsorships are available at furman.edu/wwsc.