Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wings for Kids do?

• We operate afterschool programs in Title I elementary schools in Atlanta and across South Carolina. WINGS Afterschool  >
• Strengthen social emotional learning practices of adults who work with children through our workshops and training sessions. WINGS Workshops >
• Provide products and digital resources to incorporate Words to Live By in any environment. WINGS Solutions >

What is the WINGS mission statement?

Our mission is to equip kids with the skills to succeed in school, stay in school, and thrive in life.

Where and when did WINGS start?

WINGS was founded in 1996 in Charleston, SC. Read more about our history here.

How can I get involved?

We’d love to have you! We’re always looking for volunteers and ambassadors. Find all of the ways to get involved here.

As a volunteer, what kind of work would I be doing?

• Assist with Academic Center
• Be a WINGS Companion
• Support at Family Events

How much does it cost per student to attend WINGS Afterschool?

No child or family pays to attend the WINGS Afterschool program. The annual cost per student is $3,600 which we raise entirely through grants and individual contributions in order to provide a tuition-free program.

How can I get WINGS at my school?

Our WINGS Afterschool programs are currently limited to Georgia and South Carolina though we do work with existing afterschool providers to help them infuse the WINGS curriculum into their programs. Learn more about our partnerships here.

Can I schedule a visit to see a WINGS program?

Yes! We would love for you to see the program in action. Our afterschool programs operate in Atlanta, GA, Charleston, Columbia, St. Matthews, and St. Stephen, SC, and run from 3:00-6:00 PM daily. Site visits typically last one hour. To schedule a visit please email us at hello@wingsforkids.org.

What are the plans for expanding WINGS?

Our strategic growth plan presents a roadmap to address the growing demand for SEL while maintaining the fidelity and impact of our program. We know that to scale effective SEL across the country, we must do so in partnership and collaboration with others. Therefore, we seek to develop multiple program models and delivery channels that allow for high-quality SEL programming both in-school and after school.

What are the Words to Live By?

“I Soar with WINGS!” is the foundation for everything we say, do, and teach in our programs – providing a common language that staff and kids alike can relate to. Each phrase, a mini-lesson in itself, summarizes one of the five core competencies in kid-friendly language that can be used to guide behavior, choices, interactions with others, and responses to life’s circumstances. Each day our programs start with these words to live by – recited together by the youngest of kindergartners to the most seasoned of teachers.

I soar with WINGS.

Let me tell you why. I learn lots of
skills that help me reach the sky.

I love and accept who I am on the
inside and know my emotions are
nothing to hide.

Life’s full of surprises that make
me feel different ways.
If I can control myself,
I’ll have much better days.

I understand the choices I make
should be what’s best for me to do,
and what happens is on me
and not any of you.

I understand that others are unique.
I want to learn more about everyone
I meet. I want to step into their shoes
and see what they are going through.

I am a friend. I support and trust.
Working together is a must.

Kind and caring I will be.
I listen to you. You listen to me.

I soar with WINGS.
I just told you why.
All of these things are why I fly high.

Do you have programs for middle school or high school?

We currently focus exclusively on elementary-aged students in order to reach them early with the foundation skills they need to succeed in school.

Can I sign my children up to attend WINGS?

If your child attends one of the elementary schools where WINGS currently operates, absolutely. Please note that attendance is mandatory. If you meet these criteria, you can enroll your child here.

Are you hiring?

For a list of current openings, visit our careers page here.

How do I apply for a job?

The best way to apply is online, here.

What are the steps of the application process for the WINGS Leader position?

Once you complete the online application in its entirety, your application will be screened by HR and sent to our Programs Managers. A WINGS representative will contact you via email or phone if you are selected for an interview.

What is the summer training like?

Part-time staff participate in 80 hours of pre-service training on topics like Empowering Kids in Poverty, Using Behavior Techniques with Empathy, and Implementing SE Skill Building through Teachable Moments. At the core of our training is empathy: stepping into the shoes of our kids. Daily sessions teach staff how to get on their level to enable them to be kids. From start to finish, training is hands-on, high-energy, engaging, and inspiring – laying the foundation for the culture and climate of the WINGS program. We intentionally replicate the energy, support, and engagement we want our kids to experience. Our training team provides an experience unlike traditional training, where new staff feel safe to learn about themselves and their social emotional competencies, all while having fun and bonding with team members.

Wings for Kids has received a 4-STAR rating from Charity Navigator for 14 consecutive years – an honor only 2% of rated charities have achieved. We take great pride in our transparency and accountability to our public and private investors. We keep our overhead low to maximize the percentage of your contributions that go directly into our programs, and we spend our program funds wisely so that as many children as possible may benefit from our work.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Wings for Kids is designated as a charitable organization as described in 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations to Wings for Kids are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Who are WINGS’ top funders?

Allstate Foundation, Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, South Carolina Department of Education, The Cummins Foundation, Ballmer Group, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Do you accept donated items?

Yes, thank you! We have a list of supplies and services that we are currently in need of. Gifts-in-Kind >

Can I donate stock?

Yes, thank you! Wings for Kids gladly accepts gifts of stock. Please contact Jolie Logan, Chief Operating Officer to discuss a stock transfer.

How can I receive a copy of my donation tax receipt?

Online donations are receipted via email. Your email tax receipt should arrive within a few minutes of your online donation. For donations sent by mail, a receipt will be mailed to you within 15 days of receiving your donation. For further assistance, contact donate@wingsforkids.org.

Will WINGS send an acknowledgment card for a gift I make in honor of an individual?

Of course! Gifts made in honor of identified individuals will receive a personal note letting them know a gift was made in their honor by you. There is a place on our donation form to indicate the name and address of the honoree.

Can I designate my gift for a specific project or school?

We’re excited to hear you’re interested in supporting our work, thank you! To maximize your impact, we strongly encourage donors to contribute to our greatest needs rather than a specific program or state. Unrestricted gifts allow us the crucial flexibility and security that is needed to ensure the excellence and growth of our programs. By contributing to our greatest needs, you ensure that Wings for Kids has the ability to scale our work rapidly, improve our programs, and be ready for the unexpected. However, we do have a number of projects that you might be interested in. To see the projects in need of investment, visit Support a Special Project.

How do I donate my hair?

WINGS, WIGS…one different letter but a world of difference! We receive multiple inquiries each month from people looking to donate their hair to another great organization, Wigs for Kids. They use donated hair to make wigs for kids with cancer. We’ve even acquired several packages of hair through the mail. If you’re looking to donate hair please contact Wigs for Kids. Pat yourself on the back, first, for being so generous!

Where and when are WINGS Workshops offered?

We have a menu of workshops with varying topics and per-person prices. We bring the workshop to you when and where it’s most convenient. For more information and to get in touch visit Our Solutions.

Can I hire you to train my staff?

Yes, absolutely! Please let us know what you are interested in by submitting our workshop inquiry form and someone will follow-up with you.

How can my organization start a WINGS Partner Project?

We love that you’re interested in a WINGS Partner Project. The first step is to introduce yourself by submitting a Partner Project Inquiry Form. We look forward to getting to know you!

How do I apply online?

If your child attends one of the schools we serve, you can apply online here.

Is my child on the waiting list?

For waiting list inquiries, please contact the Program Coordinator at your child’s school.

How can I contact my child’s Program Coordinator?

For a full list of Program Coordinators, please visit Contact Us.