ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State men's and women's basketball teams made an effort to bridge the gap in the Orangeburg community by starting a new mentoring program at Howard Middle School.

 "Our Stay In To Win Mentoring & Drop Out Prevention Program" is designed to bridge the gap through mentoring students at local schools to show the importance of education.

With over 30 students in attendance on day one, each student is required to complete sessions and show progress in the classroom. In an effort to show appreciation and reward students for participating in the mentoring program, each student will have an opportunity to receive an invitation to attend a South Carolina State basketball game in December.

"We look forward to interacting with them throughout the semester and hopefully inspiring them to be better students and realize the importance of education, "said SC State head basketball coach Murray Garvin. 
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