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A team united and believing in

Children prepared for the future

MISSION

The ’81 for 84 is a bold commitment from the 1981 National Champion Clemson Tigers to transform lives of South Carolina’s most vulnerable children. We use proven, data-driven models for all aspects of a child's life, now paired with the promise informed mindset,  to focus upon how to ensure more than 80% of students are prepared for success in every county in South Carolina.

The primary goal of The ’81 for the 84 initiative is to address the critical statistic that if 80% of children are prepared for kindergarten, the entirety of the class will succeed. 84% is our goal to be above and beyond that stat in every county in South Carolina.

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Our objectives include:

  • Enhancing school readiness through close collaboration with families and communities.

  • Providing consistent mentorship and advocacy for children and their families.

  • Establishing community partnerships to support educational and developmental milestones.

  • Celebrating each child’s accomplishments to foster continued success and motivation.

METHODS

GOALS

The initiative employs a comprehensive approach, encapsulated in our, AWARENESS, ADVOCACY, and ACTION framework:

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AWARENESS: The Critical Need 

  • Getting ABOVE 80% school readiness across SC

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ADVOCACY: The Innovative Solution

  • We serve initiatives by advoacting for their respective missions​

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ACTIONS: The Power of “With”

  • We support organizations in every county doing "the work"

  • We partner with regional agencies, churches and groups to meet core needs through a “Champion House.”

  • We leverage your name, image, and leadership to provide people and resources to the most vulnerable families. 

LEADERSHIP

The initiative is spearheaded by esteemed members of the 1981 National Championship Football Team. These team captains bring their leadership and passion for community development to the forefront of this mission. 

Bob Paulling
Special Teams

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Mike Wade
Offense

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Randy Cheek
Defense

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Jerry Gaillard
Offense

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Richard Hendley
Special Teams

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Kevin Gemas
Defense

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Carl Martin
Defense

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Lockie Brown
Special Teams


These individuals are united in their commitment to this cause, leveraging their legacy and influence to mobilize community resources.

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