OUR SERVICE ASPIRATIONS
ULSA emphasizes the importance of academics, dance, the arts, social skills and values in shaping the lives of our children. Our goal is to be a leader in our community in providing programs that promote excellence in academics and the arts. Our staff, volunteers and community partners work together to accomplish our goals and promote the values and vision that we embrace.
OUR VALUES
OUR VALUES
We aim to enhance, enrich and promote success among school-age children through the promotion of safe, healthy lifestyles, exploration of the performing arts, academic tutoring, stimulation of leadership skills, promotion of social graces, reducing 'at-risk' behavior, mentoring, encouragement of a “values-based worldview” and recreation. Our mission is rooted in the Judeo-Christian vision of serving and loving people and worshipping God as the highest aspiration of human lives.
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
ULSA is privileged to have active leadership from a highly-skilled, professional team of current and retired educators, teachers, camp counselors mentors, and volunteers who share our vision of “Loving, Nurturing, and Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
Our Director is Dr. Richel V. Sion-Johnson, a School Psychologist who specializes in psycho-educational assessments, behavior modification, and parent consultation for children of all grade levels. The team of teachers, assistant teachers, college interns, counselors, tutors, and volunteers brings many years of experience working with children in public and private school settings.
ULSA is privileged to have licensure from the South Carolina Department of Social Services, ABC Quality program, sponsorship from the Town of Irmo, and a working relationship with Lex/Rich School District Five, the College of Education of the University of South Carolina, membership in the South Carolina After School Alliance, as well as other professional and program connections. The Board of Directors for our Universal Community Improvement Organization, our parent organization, provides oversight of all ULSA programs and activities. HeartEd, Inc. continues to assist ULSA and the Irmo Youth Zone with funding for scholarships and program resources.
OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
OUR TARGET
OUR TARGET
OUR SCOPE OF SERVICES
OUR SCOPE OF SERVICES
- Individualized Intake Goal Setting for each student (established in conversation with the student and parents)
- Individualized tutoring in selected subjects, per our homework assistance policies
- Promotion of Social Graces & Civility
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Focus on computer-based, musically enhanced STEAM programming
- Healthy Eating
- Physical Fitness
- Age appropriate Biblically based devotions
- Fun-filled Family Gatherings
- Parent’s night out offered in coordination with UOC
Our CURRICULUM
Our CURRICULUM
OUR COMMUNAL GOALS
OUR COMMUNAL GOALS
- Promoting academic excellence
- Promoting wholesome, responsible behavior
- Encouraging students to stay out of gangs and away from risky behavior;
- Reducing physical and verbal abuse
- Utilizing behavior modification techniques in order to assist kids to make positive behavioral changes
- Encouraging physical activity (Let's Move)
- Supporting positive interaction with law enforcement
- Modeling cultural diversity
- Stimulating a love for the performing arts
- Enhancing social skills
- Developing leadership skills
- Enhancing conflict resolution skills
- Promoting wholesome decision-making
- Assisting children in areas related to social and emotional health
