HTC invests in Horry County’s youngest learners through expanded Ready, Set, Kindergarten partnership

Cooperative Sponsorship Helps United Way of Horry County Expand Kindergarten Readiness Program to Six Elementary Schools Across Horry County

HTC, the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States, is investing in Horry County’s future by sponsoring the expansion of United Way of Horry County’s Ready, Set, Kindergarten program for the 2026-2027 school year. The expanded initiative will serve families at six elementary schools across Horry County.

Together, HTC and United Way of Horry County aim to help more children enter kindergarten prepared, confident and ready to learn. The sponsorship reflects HTC’s continued partnership with United Way of Horry County and its ongoing commitment to strengthening local communities through education.
Building a Strong Start for Local Students

Ready, Set, Kindergarten prepares rising kindergarten students and their families before the first day of school. Throughout the program, families attend one of four Saturday sessions each semester. They participate in hands-on literacy, language and early learning activities together. Parents also receive practical tools, take-home resources and guidance they can use at home.

This school year, the program will expand to:
• Conway Elementary (Pilot School)
• Daisy Elementary
• Green Sea Floyds Elementary
• Seaside Elementary
• Socastee Elementary
• St. James Elementary

By partnering directly with local schools, United Way of Horry County hopes to reach more families while strengthening the connection between schools and their communities.

Pilot Program Delivered Measurable Results
The expansion follows a successful pilot program that demonstrated meaningful outcomes for participating families.
During the pilot:
• Every participating parent said they would recommend the program.
• Parent confidence increased dramatically after attending a session.
• Nearly nine out of 10 families either began or planned to practice kindergarten readiness skills at home immediately following the program.
• Parents consistently praised the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet teachers and better understand kindergarten expectations.

The pilot also highlighted an important local need. Currently, only 27 percent of Horry County kindergarten students begin school assessed as ready to learn, making early preparation more important than ever.

Investing in Horry County’s Future
As a member-owned cooperative, HTC believes strong communities begin with strong educational opportunities. Supporting programs like Ready, Set, Kindergarten aligns with HTC’s commitment to investing in initiatives that create lasting benefits for local families.

“Preparing children for success starts long before the first school bell rings,” said Sandy Hendrick, HTC Marketing Manager. “We’re proud to partner with United Way of Horry County to expand Ready, Set, Kindergarten and help more families instill confidence in their children as they begin their education journey.”

A Partnership That Creates Lasting Impact
United Way of Horry County continues to expand programs that improve educational outcomes across the community. The growth of Ready, Set Kindergarten demonstrates what is possible through collaboration between schools, nonprofit organizations and community partners like HTC.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to walk into their kindergarten classroom feeling confident and ready to learn,” said Richard Williams Jr., United Way of Horry County Director of Education. “Ready, Set, Kindergarten helps make that possible by equipping families with practical tools and encouraging learning at home. Thanks to HTC’s generous sponsorship and longstanding partnership with United Way Horry County, we’re able to expand our reach and give even more children a strong start on their educational journey.”

Together, HTC and United Way of Horry County are helping more children arrive on their first day of kindergarten ready to thrive.
For more information about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net or call 843-365-2154.

For more information, please visit www.unitedwayhorry.org/ready-set-kindergarten/ to learn more about the program and indicate your interest in enrolling your child for a future session.

About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating more than 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.

About United Way of Horry County
United Way of Horry County’s mission is to unite people, ideas, and resources to advance the common good in Horry County. Together, we can create an equitable community where opportunity is not limited, and every member reaches their full potential. Learn more at unitedwayhorry.org.