PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

At EdVenture, we love celebrating the amazing partners who help make learning come to life! Our Partner Spotlight shines a light on our partners that support our mission to inspire children through play and discovery. Each feature gives families a behind-the-scenes look at our partners — what they do, how they give back to the community, and why they’re passionate about helping kids dream big. You’ll even find fun tips about the skills children can start practicing if they’re curious about careers in our partners’ fields!

ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Tell EdVenture member families what you do.

I work with many national partners to provide opportunities for museums and science centers, such as funding educational programs and developing tools to make their work easier. Staff at STEM-based organizations care deeply about providing fun, high-quality learning experiences for visitors, and it’s my job to help them do that in any way I can.

How do you support the community at large?

I’ve been collaborating with educational organizations since my time at the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street initiative where I partnered with humanities councils, including South Carolina Humanities, to bring traveling exhibits to small and rural communities. Now at ASTC, I get to work with STEM-focused organizations and educators on a variety of projects and programs. I like to think that I’m part of a web of support that gives organizations more opportunities to do what they do best and engage with their communities.

Why is a connection with EdVenture beneficial to you, your company, your employees, and your customers?

It’s a privilege to engage with ASTC-member museums like EdVenture. I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with EdVenture through the IF/THEN Champions Network. EdVenture’s work in South Carolina communities is a model for other museums around the country.

What are the skills a child should think about practicing if he or she is interested in a job in your field?

Being curious and having a desire to learn is the most important thing for anyone who wants to work at STEM-based organizations! I often must solve problems and provide project management, both of which go hand in hand with curiosity.

Click Here to learn more about the Association of Science and Technology Center!

Special thanks to Shannon Sullivan, Senior Manager of Programs, Association of Science and Technology Center, who provided these responses.

PRISMA HEALTH

Tell EdVenture member families what you do.

I serve as Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands’ Senior Medical Director and Chair of the Pediatric Department. In this role, I make administrative, operational, and care decisions to ensure our hospital is serving children and their families in the Midlands by providing the highest quality care that is only available in a tertiary/ academic center like Children’s. I also teach medical students and pediatric residents as a faculty member of the School of Medicine.

How do you support the community at large?

We do that by admitting all the children who need inpatient care, providing subspecialty care and emergency care for the Midlands children. Additionally, through our services and faculty, we support the needs of our community by volunteering and attending other community charity events as well as our own, providing support to programs that meet not only medical needs but socioeconomic needs. We are very involved in advocacy, fighting for services at the state level for children, and supporting other community hospitals with our expertise through consultation and telemedicine. We also educate and train our next generation of pediatric doctors.

Why is a connection with EdVenture beneficial to you, your company, your employees, and your customers?

Going to the doctor can be scary for anyone, but especially for a child. Prisma Health Children’s Hospital’s partnership with EdVenture allows us to help children visualize their body and how to stay healthy at an early age. It allows them to learn while playing, ask questions, and hopefully understand the importance of taking care of themselves. It may also influence parents by what they see and hear at EdVenture. By building healthy habits early, it may reduce health risks as children age into adults.

What are the skills a child should think about practicing if he or she is interested in a job in your field?

I think it is hard for a child to think in those terms, but usually there is an innate desire or love for helping others, maybe an interest in solving puzzles or problems, and maybe later when older they want to make a difference in their community. Working as a pediatric doctor means you get to have an impact on a child with your medical care but also by showing them you care for them as a person – which has unbelievable ripple effects on so many as that child ages. You get to be part of something so much larger, and a family comes to trust you and, in a way, make you a part of their family! That is really a good part. Being a pediatric doctor, in my opinion, is one of the best life journeys you can have. Your patients give you back so much more than you give them – they give you smiles, hugs, their trust, and make you stronger because they are so strong and resilient.

Click Here to Learn More About Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.

Special thanks to Caughman Taylor, MD, Senior Medical Director of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for Prisma Health, who provided these answers.

PUBLIX

Tell EdVenture member families what you do.

As the Media Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets, I help connect Publix with our communities through our media partners. I work closely with local media outlets, community partners, and our internal teams to highlight the meaningful work we’re doing, from grand openings and charitable initiatives to spotlighting our associates and celebrating milestones.

My role is all about building relationships, connecting with our communities, and making sure our messages reflect the values and spirit of Publix.

How do you support the community at large?

Publix Super Markets supports its communities through a wide range of impactful initiatives that reflect our founder George Jenkin’s philosophy of service and giving back. Our largest initiative is addressing food insecurity with programs like our Good Together initiatives.

Our Good Together food donation program helps provide nourishing meals for our neighbors in need, and the program limits food waste. We donate perishable dairy, meat, produce, and baked goods that are no longer salable (but are still wholesome) to Feeding America partner food banks like Harvest Hope and other nonprofit organizations. These donations help food banks offer additional nutritional options to the people they serve.

Each year Publix purchases and delivers produce so it can be given to food banks like Harvest Hope and others. Since 2020, over 100 million pounds of fresh produce have been purchased and donated to help feed our neighbors in need through our Good Together Hunger initiative.

Publix Super Markets Charities endeavors to support nonprofit organizations that assist people in need within the communities Publix serves, so that people in our communities can lead successful lives.

From reducing homelessness, to helping end hunger, improving our communities, supporting education and encouraging our youth, Publix Charities is dedicated to preserving the dignity and value of the human spirit in the face of adversity as demonstrated by the founder of Publix Charities, George W. Jenkins.

Why is a connection with EdVenture beneficial to you, your company, your employees, and your customers?

As a Columbia native, I’m proud to be part of a company that champions EdVenture’s mission.

At Publix, premier customer service goes beyond our stores; it’s rooted in our commitment to the communities we serve. We view our neighbors as extended family, and supporting organizations like EdVenture is one of the most meaningful ways we give back.

EdVenture fosters lifelong learning through immersive museum experiences, dynamic educational programs, and STEAM-focused camps, helping prepare children with the skills and curiosity they’ll carry into future careers … at Publix, of course! 😊

What are the skills a child should think about practicing if he or she is interested in a job in your field?

If you’re curious about a job in media relations, there are some fun and useful skills you can start practicing now. Try writing stories or keeping a journal to build strong writing skills. Practice speaking clearly and confidently, whether you’re telling a joke or giving a class presentation. Stay curious and ask great questions—that’s how we learn to share important news. Being creative helps too, especially when you’re telling stories that inspire others. It’s also helpful to understand how social media works and how messages are shared online. And don’t forget teamwork! Media relations is all about building relationships and working with others to make a difference in your community. That’s what I love most about my job at Publix: getting to share meaningful stories and connecting with people in ways that matter.

Click Here to learn more about Publix Super Markets!

Special thanks to Jared Glover, Media Relations Manager, Publix Super Markets, who provided these responses.

SOUTH CAROLINA QUANTUM

Tell EdVenture member families what you do.

SC Quantum helps South Carolinians learn about quantum science and technology in ways that are approachable and practical. We focus on education, workforce development, and partnerships that bring people together to explore how quantum tools can solve real problems. Our goal is to build quantum literacy, giving kids, parents, and teachers the chance to understand the basics without needing to be scientists. We also collaborate with universities, industry, policymakers, national labs, and entrepreneurs to grow a strong quantum ecosystem in South Carolina, supporting future opportunities, economic impact, and new job growth.

How do you support the community at large?

We support the community by creating ways for people across South Carolina to learn about quantum technologies. That includes public events, learning programs for teachers and industry, and partnerships with universities to prepare students for future jobs. We are also working to bring quantum into K–12 classrooms so kids can start exploring these ideas early, right alongside their other STEM learning. Taken together, these efforts help families, schools, and businesses while positioning South Carolina to stay competitive and lead in a fast-changing world.

Why is a connection with EdVenture beneficial to you, your company, your employees, and your customers?

EdVenture is a trusted place for families to explore science, and its focus on hands-on learning matches our own commitment to making quantum approachable. Our partnership around Quantum Jungle gives children and parents a chance to start, or continue, their quantum journey in a fun and interactive way. Working with EdVenture allows us to raise awareness and understanding across the community while showing how South Carolina is preparing for the future.

What are the skills a child should think about practicing if he or she is interested in a job in your field?

A strong foundation in math and science is important, and as students get older, subjects like algebra, physics, and computer science help prepare them for college study. For younger learners, practicing curiosity, problem solving, and creative thinking is just as valuable. These skills build confidence and prepare students to work on cross-functional teams where quantum technologies may play a part, even if the focus is not directly on quantum. Families can also look for summer camps, robotics clubs, and hands-on science opportunities that make learning fun and practical.

Click Here to learn more about South Carolina Quantum!

SCHMOYER & COMPANY

Tell EdVenture member families what you do.

I am the managing partner of Schmoyer and Company, LLC. My job is to run the business like any other successful business. I make sure we pay our bills, have good employees, and meet our clients’ needs. Approximately half of our business is in the local Midlands SC market and the other is spread across the state of SC and in other states. Our focus is business accounting and tax planning for businesses and their owners.

How do you support the community at large?

My philanthropic focus has been on education and public health. For over 20 years, I have supported a program called Communities in Schools of South Carolina (CISSC). The main goal of the program is for every child to graduate from high school, but more broadly, CIS supports every child’s success in life. It works with a thorough system that connects elementary, middle, and high schools with site coordinators who support students who have struggles with serious issues from homelessness, hunger and education needs for tutoring and mentoring. My goal is to have SC students succeed educationally, graduate from HS, and be productive citizens for our state. I also work with the American Heart Association, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Lexington Medical Center Foundation, and the Columbia Museum of Art.

Why is a connection with EdVenture beneficial to you, your company, your employees, and your customers?

Like CISSC, EdVenture is all about education, which is key to the success of our community. On a personal note, my children and our family were counted among a group called the First Families at EdVenture over two decades ago. We have loved EdVenture and its priorities in the Midlands for a long time. It is a place where a child’s visit can be interesting, educational, and enjoyable all at the same time.

What are the skills a child should think about practicing if he or she is interested in a job in accounting?

For me, math is its own language – and helping businesses with their accounting needs is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. If you “speak math,” you will be more successful in the accounting field of careers. Future accountants need not worry about job security. For every business, someone needs to keep records of revenue and spending, someone needs to prepare taxes for filing. Even entrepreneurs need accountants.

Click Here to learn more about Schmoyer & Company!

Special thanks to Terry Schmoyer, Managing Partner, Schmoyer and Company, LLC, who provided these responses.

AFLAC

Tell EdVenture member families what you do.

Creating meaningful connections between Aflac and our local South Carolina communities is at the heart of my work. I help to extend Aflac’s culture of care by forging partnerships with charitable organizations, introducing our employees to volunteer opportunities and stewarding our philanthropic support.

How do you support the community at large?

Aflac has a long history of supporting communities where we live and work. When I help us engage with local organizations, we get to know them, understand their needs and discover ways we can help them grow, thrive and advance their missions. It’s inspiring to see Aflac’s contributions — and many employee volunteers — in action across South Carolina.

Why is a connection with EdVenture beneficial to you, your company, your employees, and your customers?

Aflac is proud to support EdVenture, an incredible educational asset in the Midlands and beyond — with more than 150,000 annual visitors, including many Aflac employees and families. A primary area of philanthropic focus for Aflac is advancing educational programs. Through our support of EdVenture, we are helping children learn healthy eating habits, making science and math fun, and providing access to educational programming for underserved children and families.

What else should our families know about Aflac?

Aflac cares for our communities and celebrates how charitable organizations are using more than $11 million in local contributions to improve neighborhoods and enhance health care programs and services for children, including those with cancer and blood disorders. Since 1995, Aflac has contributed nearly $187 million to Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Click Here to learn more about Aflac!

Special thanks to Amanda Grover, Community Relations Manager, Aflac Group, Coulmbia, S.C., who provided these responses.

WP RAWL

Why did WP Rawl choose a connection with EdVenture in supporting the Busy Bee Farm exhibit?

Our partnership with EdVenture gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with people in our community to promote healthy eating. Through interactive education, the farm exhibit at EdVenture showcases all that we do on our real farm. We hope the next generations will grow up to embrace nutritious, fresh produce in a fun and engaging way. The Busy Bee Farm also offers fun ways to learn about farming careers and all the different ways you can work on a farm.

Tell us what our families should know about the real WP Rawl farm.

WP Rawl was founded in 1925 originally in Gilbert, S.C., and we have been a trusted local grower and processor of fresh, high-quality produce since our inception. Our brands include the WP Rawl Farms^® brand, Nature’s Greens^®, and Palmetto Gardens^®. WP Rawl stands for quality, reliability, and freshness. Celebrating 100 years, our company champions sustainability, innovation, and a caring culture, supporting healthy living and our local community.

What are other ways that WP Rawl supports the community at large?

WP Rawl supports its communities through local job creation, sustainable farming practices, and promoting healthy lifestyles with fresh, nutritious produce. Our company fosters a caring culture, invests in education and outreach programs, and partners with local organizations—like EdVenture—to address community needs, education, connections, and to make a positive, long-lasting impact within our area.

What else would you like our EdVenture families to know about what WP Rawl does?

WP Rawl is a family-owned and operated farm, specializing in growing, processing, and distributing fresh, leafy greens, herbs, onions, beets, leeks, and sweet corn. Originating in Gilbert, South Carolina, we have since grown and expanded within South Carolina, with additional locations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Click Here to learn more about WP Rawl Farms!

Special thanks to Christine Jackson, Senior Manager of Marketing and Product Development with WP Rawl, who provided these responses.

OUR PARTNERS