Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Wiggs.
Katy , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our Story: How SC Career Kids Began
SC Career Kids was founded by educator Katy Wiggs, whose passion for connecting children to their communities and future dreams took root in a moment of real need. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as schools shut down and families scrambled for stability, Katy launched a small learning pod inside the Irmo Chamber of Commerce. What began as a creative solution for virtual schooling quickly evolved—thanks to the overwhelming support and response from the Irmo community.
Local business leaders—now known as our Career Experts—brought in tools of the trade, allowing children to explore, experience, and engage with real objects and the adults who use them every day. Students asked thoughtful questions, made meaningful connections, and began to imagine new possibilities for their futures.
As the model grew, it became clear that students need opportunities to grow from the ground up—learning about jobs in their communities while also developing the skills to be safe, responsible, and productive citizens. Combining career awareness with essential safety education laid a foundation for real-world learning that prepares children for both life and work.
From that spark, SC Career Kids was born.
Today, SC Career Kids is a statewide nonprofit that brings early career awareness, community connection, and essential safety education to students through afterschool Career Clubs, in-school Safety Town field trips, and our interactive virtual platform, Quest. Our mission is to ensure all children, regardless of zip code, have the opportunity to explore careers, build essential life and safety skills, and connect with the people who make our communities work.
Thanks to the support of schools, local leaders, business partners, and volunteers, SC Career Kids now serves thousands of students across South Carolina—with many more on the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Funding Hurdle
One of the biggest roadblocks SC Career Kids faces is funding. “We’re reaching more students than ever—but every expansion requires support,” says Wiggs. The organization now serves thousands of children through afterschool Career Clubs, in-school Safety Town field trips, and an interactive virtual platform, Quest. But despite growing demand—school districts across the state are requesting programs—securing sustainable funding remains a constant struggle.
Many of the schools most eager to host SC Career Kids are Title I, meaning they serve a high population of low-income families. These schools often cannot afford even minimal program fees. “We never want cost to be the reason a child misses out,” Wiggs says. “But that means we have to rely on sponsors and grants to fill the gap—and that’s not always predictable.”
The Volunteer Equation
Another challenge is staffing. The magic of SC Career Kids lies in its community-driven model, where local professionals serve as Career Experts, bringing in tools of the trade and sharing their stories with students. But recruiting and coordinating those volunteers takes time—and trust.
“We’re not just asking someone to come talk to kids—we’re asking them to be part of a movement,” Wiggs explains. “And with everyone’s schedules packed, it can be tough to consistently get the boots on the ground we need to make every session meaningful.”
This becomes even more difficult in rural areas, where volunteer pools are smaller and transportation becomes a barrier. “We’re trying to plant seeds everywhere, but we need people to help us water them.”
The Weight of Growing Impact
The paradox? SC Career Kids’ challenges are rooted in its success. More schools want in. More students are showing up. The demand is there—and that’s a good problem to have. “With a small but mighty team, the nonprofit continues to grow—driven by passion, purpose, and a commitment to reaching every child who needs us.” Wiggs stated.
Still, the mission keeps pushing them forward. “When we see a kindergartener put on a hard hat and talk about building roads like the woman who visited their class, or a second grader practicing crosswalk safety with a real deputy—that’s when we know this matters,” Wiggs says.
Looking Ahead
SC Career Kids continues to press on—partnering with school districts, community organizations, and business leaders across the state. They’ve received support from local law enforcement, workforce councils, the Town of Irmo, and sponsors like Vulcan Materials, and AAA The Auto Club Foundation. But there’s more work to do.
The hope? That more businesses, volunteers, and donors will step in and stand beside them. That together, South Carolina can raise a generation of safe, career-ready, community-connected kids—no matter their zip code.
Because every child deserves to dream big. And every dream deserves a chance to grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets Katy apart is her belief that career education and safety skills should begin early—long before high school. Under her leadership, SC Career Kids offers hands-on, meaningful programs that combine career exploration with essential safety education, helping students become confident, capable, and community-minded citizens. Through afterschool Career Clubs, Camps, in-school Safety Town field trips, and the virtual career platform Quest, she ensures children across the state have access to opportunities they may not otherwise encounter.
Katy is most proud of the way SC Career Kids has grown through authentic partnerships and grassroots support. She continues to advocate for equity, early exposure, and the power of showing children that their dreams are possible—because they can see them, touch them, and meet the people who make them real.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
SC Career Kids Summer Camps – Explore, Learn & Grow!
In partnership with the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies in Lexington 5, SC Career Kids is excited to invite local families to two unique and engaging summer opportunities!
Career Camp | June 2–5
Held at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, Career Camp is open to rising 3rd through rising 6th graders. Students will explore hands-on career experiences, meet real-world professionals, and gain exposure to fields such as healthcare, construction, public safety, and more!
Safety Town Camp | Week of July 7
Taking place in Irmo, Safety Town is designed for Pre-K through rising 2nd graders. Through fun, play-based learning, children will explore essential safety topics like fire, water, traffic, and bike safety—all while meeting the community heroes who help keep us safe.
Learn more and register at: www.sccareerkids.com
Spots are limited—join us for a summer full of discovery and inspiration!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sccareerkids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sc_career_kids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sccareerkids
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sc-career-kids/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU-WTCgwQYFgH2v0HU7aLiw
