Molding Tomorrow's Leaders.Character. Confidence. Career Skills.
We empower youth (ages 11 to 20) across Columbia, Sumter, Blythewood, and Lexington, South Carolina with mentorship, social emotional development, workforce preparation, and paid apprenticeship placements.
What's Happening at Forward Progression
From community celebrations to drives that keep families warm, we're always working to uplift our community. Here's what's going on.
🎒 Back to School Bash
Our Back to School Bash was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out, volunteered, and supported our youth.
Thank you to all our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and families who made this event a success. Stay tuned for more community events!
🧥 Coat Drive
Keeping our community warm, one coat at a time.
We're Collecting Coats
Forward Progression is hosting a coat drive to help families in need stay warm this season. Drop-off location to be determined — stay tuned for updates!
Need a Coat?
Any families needing coats and assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at Forward Progression. We are here to help and want to make sure every family is taken care of.
Want to help with the Coat Drive or future events?
Whether you want to volunteer, donate coats, or sponsor an event, we'd love your support. Contact us today to get involved.
Contact Us to Get InvolvedBuilding Tomorrow's Leaders, Today
Forward Progression is a 501(c)(3) mentorship and apprenticeship program serving young people and families across the Midlands. We began with a simple belief in work-based learning, and grew into a full continuum of opportunity.
What We Provide
For every young person, we offer mentorship, apprenticeship, work-based learning, and financial literacy that build real-world skills and a path to independence.
For children in foster care, at-risk youth, and families in crisis, we add immediate support like school supplies and comfort kits — and the stability of transitional and family housing.
Our founders know this journey firsthand. We're building the kind of unbroken path we wish we had — open to every family who needs it.
Competitive
Prepared to excel in any environment
Respectful
Building character and integrity
Reliable
Dependable in work and community
Prepared
Ready for life's opportunities
Four Pillars of Youth Empowerment
Each program is designed to build a different dimension of a young person's potential. Together, they create a complete foundation for success.
Paid Apprenticeship
Gain real world, hands on work experience while earning. Our apprenticeship program connects youth with meaningful opportunities that build professional skills and confidence.
Training and Development
Comprehensive training programs that develop leadership, communication, financial literacy, and professional skills essential for success in school and beyond.
Mentorship
One on one and group mentoring from experienced professionals who guide, inspire, and support youth on their journey to becoming their best selves.
Activities and Enrichment
Engaging activities that build teamwork, creativity, and social skills. From community service projects to team building exercises, every experience matters.
18+ Active Partner Businesses.
Real South Carolina businesses, real on site mentorship, across every industry your child might want to explore.
WNM Essentials
Kiki's Chicken & Waffles
WE CARE Primary & Urgent Care
Ganzy & Co. Branding
J&M Tasteful Treats
Columbia Praise
Fashions Unlimited II
Royal Z Bowling Center
Top Notch Professional ServicesWNM EssentialsKiki's Chicken & WafflesWE CARE Primary & Urgent CareGanzy & Co. BrandingJ&M Tasteful TreatsColumbia PraiseFashions Unlimited IIRoyal Z Bowling CenterTop Notch Professional ServicesWNM EssentialsKiki's Chicken & WafflesWE CARE Primary & Urgent CareGanzy & Co. BrandingJ&M Tasteful TreatsColumbia PraiseFashions Unlimited IIRoyal Z Bowling CenterTop Notch Professional ServicesWNM EssentialsKiki's Chicken & WafflesWE CARE Primary & Urgent CareGanzy & Co. BrandingJ&M Tasteful TreatsColumbia PraiseFashions Unlimited IIRoyal Z Bowling CenterTop Notch Professional Services
Tiffany's Sweets, Eats, & Meeting Place
Premier Smile Center
ASC Management Group
Mayor Sloan Griffin
Doko Smoke Barbeque
Just Ink About It
RBK Styles of Fashion
The Laboratory Barber
Myers Mortuary & Cremation ServicesTiffany's Sweets, Eats, & Meeting PlacePremier Smile CenterASC Management GroupMayor Sloan GriffinDoko Smoke BarbequeJust Ink About ItRBK Styles of FashionThe Laboratory BarberMyers Mortuary & Cremation ServicesTiffany's Sweets, Eats, & Meeting PlacePremier Smile CenterASC Management GroupMayor Sloan GriffinDoko Smoke BarbequeJust Ink About ItRBK Styles of FashionThe Laboratory BarberMyers Mortuary & Cremation ServicesTiffany's Sweets, Eats, & Meeting PlacePremier Smile CenterASC Management GroupMayor Sloan GriffinDoko Smoke BarbequeJust Ink About ItRBK Styles of FashionThe Laboratory BarberMyers Mortuary & Cremation ServicesCareer fields explored:
Book, Enroll, or Partner.We'll guide the next step.
This quick form helps us route you to the right program. You'll get a response with clear next steps.
What happens after you submit
- We review your request and match you to the right program or contact.
- You receive a reply with scheduling options and any required details.
- If you're a partner business, we'll discuss placement needs and onboarding.
If you select Phone call or Text message, please include your phone number in the message box. (Our form system saves name, email, and message.)
Request Next Steps
Tell us who you are and what you're looking for.
Your donation fuels real opportunity.
Forward Progression Mentor Apprenticeship Program, Inc. is actively seeking monetary donations and student sponsorships to expand our programs and help build a Community Development Center. Every contribution makes a difference.
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A thank you letter with the required tax exempt information will be provided for all donations.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities.
Enter Changing Hands
Top Notch Professional Services
ASC Management Group
Interested in joining our sponsors? Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities.
Sponsor a youth. Strengthen a community.
Forward Progression Mentor Apprenticeship Program, Inc. is seeking student sponsorships and organizational partnerships. Sponsors receive prominent recognition throughout our youth empowerment programs.
Sponsor benefits can include
- Logo placement on promotional materials (banners, flyers, website)
- Acknowledgment during keynote speeches and sessions
- Exhibition space to showcase products and services (when available)
- Media coverage plus social media and email recognition
- Customized marketing opportunities aligned to your goals
- Top tier logo placement on promotional materials
- Recognition during keynote speeches and sessions
- Dedicated sponsor highlight on website and select campaigns
- Priority opportunities for exhibition space and activations
- Logo placement on event banners, flyers, and website
- Acknowledgment during key sessions
- Sponsor recognition on social media and email list
- Networking access with community partners
- Logo placement on select promotional materials
- Acknowledgment during events
- Opportunity to sponsor a specific activity or session
- Thank you letter with tax exempt information
- Recognition on select materials
- Acknowledgment during events
- Thank you letter with tax exempt information
- Recognition on select materials
- Thank you letter with tax exempt information
Our Programs in Action
A look at the people, moments, and community partnerships that make Forward Progression MAP possible.
See Us in Action
Watch our youth grow, learn, and lead through real moments captured on the ground.
Transforming Lives, One Youth at a Time
Every young person who walks through our doors leaves with new skills, confidence, and a clearer vision of their future.
Students
Academic support and study skills that help youth excel in school and prepare for higher education.
Student Athletes
Discipline, teamwork, and time management skills that translate from the field to the classroom.
Entrepreneurs
Business fundamentals, financial literacy, and creative thinking to spark the entrepreneurial spirit.
“Our mission is to ensure every young person has the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to move forward, not just in their careers, but in life.”
Let's Build the Future Together
Whether you're a parent enrolling your child, a mentor ready to give back, a business offering apprenticeship opportunities, or a donor supporting our mission, we'd love to hear from you.
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.