The time between when school ends and when parents get home from work can be risky for young people. Studies show that this is when youths are most likely to commit serious and violent crimes. SCDJJ works with local churches, community centers, and other groups to run Teen After-School Centers (TASCs) across the state. These centers give young people who are not involved in the juvenile justice system a safe place to go after school until their parents get home from work.

In Fiscal Year 2023-24, SCDJJ TASC sites served 7,799 students. 40 TASC sites are in operation across South Carolina for fiscal year 2024-2025. 

Teen After-School Centers (TASCs) give youth lots of cool opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun! Our youth:

• Go on exciting trips, like visiting sports games, state parks, libraries, and even colleges to explore their future.
• Get help with school, including after-school tutoring to boost grades and learning.
• Learn job skills to prepare for real jobs and even get help finding work.
• Spend time with awesome adults who guide and inspire them to be their best.
• Enjoy fun activities, like recreation and spiritual growth.
• Give back to the community, help others, and make up for mistakes if needed.
• Learn important life skills, like solving problems, managing anger, and working through conflicts peacefully.
• Stay safe and supported with programs to stop gang activity and help youth make smart choices.
• Explore technology with computer labs and cool lessons to build tech skills.

TASCs are a great way for youth to stay active, make friends, and discover their potential!

Who is TASC for?

The program helps keep youth from making choices that could land them in serious trouble, like going to jail. It's made especially for youth who need extra support and structure, including those already getting help from SCDJJ while on probation or parole.

Youth can be sent to a TASC program through different sources, like Family Court judges, police officers, school resource officers, teachers, SCDJJ staff, or even their parents. Local SCDJJ offices help the TASC programs check to make sure each youth meets the rules to join. The program especially focuses on helping youth who are already working with SCDJJ.

TASC Summer Camps

Every summer, TASC sites make sure youth stay busy and have fun while learning. All the sites host Youth Summits where teens get to listen to speakers who are experts in cool topics like planning events, managing money, driving big trucks, staying safe from vaping, doing beauty and hair care, preventing diabetes, and taking care of skin. Many sites also take their youth on awesome trips to places like Washington, D.C., where they can explore exciting educational opportunities. It’s a fun way to learn new things and have an adventure!