Richland One families who are financially struggling and/ or facing problems with their homes can receive free help.
In partnership with South Carolina Legal Services, the district will hold a free housing clinic Tuesday, February 10 from 5 {: } 3 0 \mathrm { p. m. } 7 {: } 3 0 \mathrm { p. m } . at Alcorn Middle School (5152 Fairfield Road, Columbia, SC 29203).
Families can get guidance
on habitability issues such as mold and broken fixtures, illegal evictions, utility assistance, public benefits, foreclosures and more.
To participate, you must have at least one child attending a Richland One school.
For more information, contact Rachel Arroyo, Richland One’s McKinney-Vento/ Parents and Students Succeed coordinator, (803) 231-6914.
that this particular university does in the area of agriculture and agribusiness,” Lynes said. “It was very important for us to find these niche programs from institutions that are focusing and directing resources toward those areas that are needed in the country of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas because we have a keen focus on food sustainability, the production of food locally.”
Through this partnership, Bahamian Scholars will have access to majors aligned with the country’s priority workforce areas, including engineering, business analytics, food and nutritional sciences, environmental restoration, biology, chemistry, computer science and more.
Lynes emphasized that food sustainability is among the nation’s most urgent priorities.
“Right now, we have a $1 billion import bill for a country of 400,000 people,” Lynes said. “So, look at that level of money that is leaving the country for food that is not healthy, for food that is unreliable in terms of its sourcing because when we have things like natural disasters, storms, and you can’t have shipments and that kind of thing, what do you do?
“We are really looking and trying to create an industry in our agricultural sector where we can, at the very least,
feed ourselves,” she said. A shared commitment to access and excellence
The agreement outlines a structured, collaborative system of student support:
• The Ministry will administer its scholarship programs, select Scholars, provide funding and promote SC State at school visits, fairs and roundtable events.
• SC State will oversee admission, internal coordination, student arrival logistics, housing procedures and compliance with federal and institutional policies.
• Scholars will complete admissions, secure visas, maintain insurance and meet academic renewal requirements.
Looking ahead
By connecting Bahamian students with high-demand academic programs and reinforcing SC State’s strength in agriculture, STEM and global learning, the collaboration builds a bridge of opportunity that reaches in both directions.
Bahamian scholars are positioned to return home ready to support critical workforce needs, while SC State benefits from a more globally engaged campus community and deeper international partnerships. The agreement strengthens educational pipelines, supports national priorities in the Bahamas and expands SC State’s role as a university preparing students
to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
“As we look ahead, partnerships like this are how we ensure our students — and the students we welcome from around the world — are ready
for a global future,” Conyers said. “When cultures mix, ideas spark, confidence grows and opportunities multiply. That’s the kind of campus experience we want for every Bulldog.”
