BLYTHEWOOD — Students at Westwood High School will have easier access to everyday classroom materials this semester thanks to a donation drive organized by the University of South Carolina’s Black Law Students Association.
The law student organization (BLSA) collected and delivered essential supplies—including pens, pencils, notebook paper, binders, poster board, and art materials—to restock Westwood’s dedicated campus supply closet.
Run out of the school counseling office, the closet operates under a discreet, “no-questions-asked” policy, allowing any student in need to pick up materials free of charge. The supplies are also made available to teachers needing resources for entire classrooms or specialized class projects.
School social worker Mellisa Bunch said removing barriers to basic tools directly impacts classroom performance.
“This open-access system ensures complete equality and removes any social stigma around needing materials,” Bunch said. “Ultimately, this donation ensures that students are fully equipped to succeed without worrying about missed assignments or lower grades due to a lack of resources.”
The supply collection stemmed from an ongoing mentorship collaboration between the USC law students and Richland School District Two’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. Through initiatives like “AVID Fridays,” law students regularly visit the school to connect with and mentor local teens.
Organizers from the law school said supporting neighborhood schools is a natural extension of their mission.
“Students and teachers already face monumental challenges; worrying about a lack of classroom supplies should not be one of them,” said Ty Greene, BLSA community service director. “It was an honor for BLSA to help relieve some of that burden for the Westwood community.”
Norah Dixon, BLSA associate community service director, said she hopes the effort serves as a stepping stone for future community projects.
“This drive is a beautiful example of the lasting impact that the partnership between Richland Two AVID and BLSA can have on our community,” Dixon said. “I look forward to watching this collaboration continue to flourish.”
Westwood High School, located in Blythewood, is one of five high schools serving Richland School District Two in Northeast Columbia. District officials noted that community partnerships like the one with BLSA play a vital role in keeping campus resource closets stocked for students throughout the entire school year.