Entrepreneur Minute – Nikki Haley, The O6 Foundation

April 11, 2026

The Who’s on the Move, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. In this series you will see a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including some incredible innovators from the non profit world.

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O6 Afterschool is transforming educational outcomes for public school students across South Carolina by providing individualized homework support from certified teachers in a dynamic, engaging environment. With a strong emphasis on interactive learning—particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math—the program goes beyond traditional tutoring to spark curiosity and build confidence. Students are also introduced to real-world career pathways through hands-on exposure and visits to colleges and technical schools across the state, helping them envision futures they may not have previously considered.

Founded in 2011 by former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the Original Six Foundation is grounded in the belief that every child in the Palmetto State deserves access to a quality education, regardless of geography. Focused on rural and underserved communities, the Foundation identifies critical gaps in education and works to fill them through targeted afterschool and early literacy initiatives. Since launching O6 Afterschool in 2016, the program has grown from just three schools serving 100 students to 13 schools across eight counties, with enrollment expected to exceed 1,000 students in the upcoming academic year.

This year marks a major milestone as the O6 Afterschool program celebrates its 10th anniversary with the “O6 Afterschool: A Decade of Opening Doors” event on Friday, May 8 at the Columbia Museum of Art. For the first time, students and educators from all 13 program sites will come together under one roof to celebrate the program’s collective impact. The evening will feature food and libations, along with remarks from Nikki Haley and South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, as well as an opening prayer from Judi Gatson—creating a meaningful moment to reflect on a decade of expanding opportunity for students statewide.