The struggle is real:

Finding interesting activities, kids that your kids like, and moms that you like. Plus coordinating schedules and paying for the fees. Then, what happens when conflicts arise or your friends move away?

Finding a group makes you feel like you’re Goldilocks. This one’s too big; that one’s too small. Or too quiet or too loud. Or too far away or too expensive. You can’t find one that fits just right.

Cola City PLUS strives to build community where we can grow and thrive. We aren’t offering a polished menu of opportunities and a set schedule (yet). We’re inviting you to catch the vision for a new kind of collaboration. A place where you belong.

• We’re committed to creating an environment that celebrates a variety of unique perspectives. backgrounds, and identities of all people, embracing diversity as a cornerstone of our success.
• We strive to cultivate an atmosphere of belonging, where everyone has equitable opportunities to thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential.
• We are championing inclusivity and affirming the dignity of every person.
• We aim to inspire positive change and build a brighter, more harmonious future for all.

It starts with a mindshift around our shared values, diverse perspectives and mutual respect. This requires active participation for self-reflection, willingness to learn and grow. We’re learning together.

PLUS: Parents + Learning…that’s US!  Monthly reading challenge and discussion themes serve as the basis for collaborative efforts.  Weekly emails and online discussion forums make it easy to access at your convenience.

Do Less–Get More: Ideas & Brainstorming. If we all contribute a little bit, we’ll get more out of it–without getting burned out. Regularly scheduled zoom sessions to facilitate planning, team building and practical implementation. Do your kids have ideas too? We want to give them agency to bring those ideas to life.

Conflict Resolution: Where two or three are gathered, there will be conflict. So, we aren’t surprised when it occurs within our community. But, we’re committed to working thru our differences and repairing relationships with each other.

Ready to get started? It’s $5/month. You get a weekly email, access to the Cola City Plus App, monthly planning meeting, plus free bonus printables.

Click HERE to set up your account
at Our School Hangout

Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026
Virtual Sponsor Registration

Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm at
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Virtual Sponsors Promotional Options: Business participants who *cannot* attend in person can still get promotions, in order to make meaningful connections with our local homeschool community. Virtual Sponsor do NOT include in-person table space. 

• Basic Sponsor Promo package: $60, includes one link back on Expo vendor directory, one sponsor spotlight/shoutout on Facebook event, and the option to add a discount or freebie in our digital grab bag for attendees.
• Economy Sponsor Promo package: $150, includes Basic Promo Package, plus TikTok/Reels photo carousel with music only, with linkback on SC Connection resource hub/blog and shout out in the SC Connection newsletter.
• Premium Sponsor Promo package: $300, includes Economy Promo Package, plus TikTok/Reels photo carousel/video with voice over script and linkback on SC Connection resource hub/blog and shout out in the SC Connection newsletter.
• Donations Door busters and Door prizes, includes linkback on Expo directory and FB event shoutout. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com for negotiable trades and terms.
• For In-Person Vendor rates: Click Here

Complete this form to secure your virtual promotions at Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026!

Career Day 2025
Thursday, February 6, 9am-3pm
At Cornerstone Presbyterian in Irmo
Teens/13+ — $25/participant

Note: This event is hosted/organized by Cola City Homeschoolers and the SC Homeschooling Connection.
Registration is required.

>> What’s Career Day? <<

Unlock Your Future: Career Day for Homeschool High Schoolers

Attention All High Schoolers who are ready to explore exciting career paths and gain hands-on experience. Join us for an engaging Career Day, specially designed for homeschool students and parent-educators! This event is packed with interactive workshops, expert advice, and real-world activities that will help you discover your passions and shape your future.

• Vendor Hall: Resources and programs that offer on-going opportunities and information about Scholarships, Advisors/Consultants, Educational Classes and Clubs, Support and Networking. And lots more!
• Workshops: A full day scheduled with hands-on, interactive experiences geared for student participants. Featured Workshop presented by Be Pro Be Proud
• Digital Grab Bag: Free resources to take home and continue your career explorations.

>> Tell me more! <<

Featured Mobile Workforce Workshop

Our Featured Workshop is Be Pro, Be Proud: Exploring Trade Skills and Careers. This traveling workshop is leading the movement to bring a new generation of pride, progress & professionals to South Carolina’s skilled workforce. Student Participants (ages 13-18) will explore some of South Carolina’s innovative, in-demand professions. We are so excited to offer this amazing opportunity to the homeschool community!

Other workshops and activities to make it worth your time and effort to attend. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing day!

• SC Discus: Free resources for Career Explorations for High Schoolers presented by SC State Library. Bring your own electronic device for hands-on practice
• Test Prep and Science Apps: Free resources (and games) to improve your test scores presented by US Army.
• Soap Knapping workshop: Highlighting land history and preservation for park ranger/guide/naturalist presented by Nature As Teacher
• STEM Stations Open Lab: Highlighting several hands-on STEM activities to explore your interests. Presented by Cola City Homeschoolers

>> Registration FAQs <<

>> Yes! Save My Space <<

More information coming soon:

Join Us as a Vendor or Presenter at Career Day for Homeschool High Schoolers!

We’re excited to invite you to be a part of Career Day, a dynamic event designed to connect homeschool high school students with real-world careers through hands-on workshops, interactive activities, and expert insights. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your industry, connect with future professionals, and help shape the next generation of leaders.

Career Day Vendors Wanted!

Why Become a Vendor or Presenter?

• Engage with Future Talent: Share your expertise with students eager to explore career opportunities and learn directly from professionals in your field.
• Showcase Your Industry: As a vendor, you’ll have the chance to display your products, services, or resources that can inspire and guide students.
• Hands-On Experience: Presenters will lead interactive workshops, providing students with practical skills and knowledge, and offering an inside look into various careers.
• Build Meaningful Connections: Network with like-minded professionals and create connections with homeschool families who value career exploration and learning.

What We’re Looking For:

• Vendors: Businesses or organizations offering tools, resources, or products that support career exploration, education, or skill development.
• Presenters: Experts in various fields (e.g., technology, healthcare, arts, business, trades, etc.) who are excited to lead interactive workshops, give presentations, or provide career guidance to students. 

An Event Especially for High Schoolers!

Event Details:

• Date and Time: Thursday, February 6 from 9am-3pm
• Location: Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall), 5637 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
• Audience: Homeschool high school students (ages 13-18) and Parent-Educators
• Vendor Hall Spaces include 6-foot table and chair ($50). electrical access optional.

How to Get Involved: To become a vendor or presenter, simply complete a registration form. We look forward to having you as part of this exciting and impactful event! 

Reserve your space NOW!

Pop-up Consignment Sale
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, December 18 from 10am-2pm
$1/shopper — All Ages

Note: This event is a Cola City event. Consignor registration now open–scroll down to sign up.

Got used books you want to sell? We want ’em! Everyone loves a deal–especially this time of year. So, let’s  help rehome your used educational items and MORE!

Holiday Pop-up Consignments Sale: Wednesday, December 18 from 10 am-2 pm at Unitarian Unversal Congregation, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, SC 29205

SHOPPERS: Come browse during the open hours. $1/shopper will be collected at checkout. Consider participating in the Gingerbread House Decorating Party (Click HERE to register)

CONSIGNORS: 

• What items can I sell? Gently used (or unused) curriculum, textbooks, educational materials, games, puzzles, and manipulatives. Educational furniture/desks, easels, dry erase boards, chalkboards, musical instruments. Picture books, chapter books, parenting books, books on CD, educational DVDs. PLUS Holiday Gifts.
• How do I label and price my items? You determine the price of each item, depending on the condition and edition. When you log into the consignor’s portal, you’ll be able to create printable barcode tags for each item. We can print for you or you can print yourself. 
• What is the consignor share? You will keep 70% of the listed price. No registration fee! The balance helps cover the overhead costs of the Cola City Homeschoolers.
• What if I don’t have a printer? We can print the tags for you to pick up ahead of time or to place your labels during drop-off. 
• How do I drop-off my items? In the consignor’s portal, you will select a drop off time, Tuesday afternoon 3-5 pm. A volunteer will greet you and assist with sorting your items into category placement. 
• When do I pick-up my unsold items? Pick-up all leftover items on Wednesday from 3-5 pm. Or you can let us know you’re donating your leftover items. 
• When will I receive payment? Within 2 weeks after the sale, we will close out the payments. You can choose payment via check mailed to you or via PayPal. 
• Great! How do I sign up to be a consignor? It’s quick and easy!
  • NEW Consignors: Click here and follow the instructions.
  • RETURNING Consignors: Click here to activite your account for this year’s sale

Questions? Contact Kim at colacityinfo@gmail.com 
Want to attend the Gingerbread House Decorating Party?
Register HERE for Morning or Afternoon session. 

• Virtual SC:  A free state-sponsored ala carte supplemental online program serving students currently attending public, private and home schools in grades 7-12
• SC Discus: South Carolina’s Virtual Library is the “information place” for all South Carolinians. Provides free access to an electronic library that’s available 24/7. Accessible from your county library’s website or via Discus with username/password. READ MORE HERE. 
• Ed’s Editions: Used bookseller locally owned by homeschooler, has large selection of homeschool materials.
• Richland County Library: Education Studio: A carefully-curated collection of books and materials that support learning through a multisensory approach. The specially-designed studio space provides quiet seating for homeschoolers, tutors and teachers to prepare and conduct lessons. Reading specialists offer a personalized consultation.
• Discovery Therapies: Learning Development center that goes beyond tutoring by addressing the underlying issues that cause students to struggle.
• Educational Learning Services: Testing, tutoring, curriculum counseling for homeschoolers in SC and beyond.
  Homeschooling the Special Needs Child: Consultation, Curriculum counseling, testing services especially for homeschoolers.
• Dyslexia Reading Center: Offers services and resources for students who struggle with reading and those who teach them.
• All Kinds of Minds: Neurodiversity-Affirming Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services
• SC Assistive Technology: Technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work and learn more independently.
• Family Connections of SC: Provides programs and support to families that have a child with a disability or specific healthcare need.

Looking for some Summer Camps? We’ve gathered information about the various opportunities here! We’ve organized them by dates on the Event Calendar HERE

Scroll these opportunities to spark something in your interests:

Outschool Virtual Summer Camps: All ages and interests–there’s something for everyone to beat the heat!

Akoma Cares Camps: Click here for more information and registration

•  Soccer Camp: May 20-24
• Lyrical Dance Camp: June 3-7
• Improv Workshop: June 12
• Self-Defense Workshop: June 20

***************

Country Springs Equestrian Center: Ages 7+. Limited spots available Contact Dawn 803-466-7134 to reserve a space  More info on FB  

• June 24-28, July 8-12, & July 12-19

EdVenture Summer Camps: Weekly June 3-August 2
Click here for schedule and registration

*****************

Royal Scholars Hybrid & C0-op: Click here for more information and registration

• Space Camp Virtual: June 3-6
• Simple Machines Virtual: June 10-14
• Animal Habitats Virtual: June 24-27
• Art & Science Virtual Camp: July 8-12
• Sew Journey Summer Camps: July 12-19 In-person Downtown Columbia location.

Submit Your Own Calendar Event HERE!

Do you have an activity or event to add to our calendar? We would love to help cross-promote the opportunity to our homeschool network. Fill out the form below.

Thanks!