Carolina Studios was formed in 2001.  Its founders, including Mark Bryan – the lead guitarist and founding member of Hootie and the Blowfish – had a shared passion for music and a deep concern for Charleston’s at-risk urban youth.  They agreed there was a need to create an environment where troubled young people would be encouraged to develop their potential through the exploration of digital recording, digital photography, videography, and graphic arts.  Furthermore, the children would be able to develop core computer skills and behavioral skills needed for their ongoing education and their future careers.

Carolina Studios’ founders also realized that young people could describe their experiences through music and song creation, offering a great opportunity for them to express their deep emotional feelings.  Young people would be able to explore situations that were troublesome and/or problematic for them in a fun and safe environment.  The program could become a vehicle for disadvantaged youth to grow and develop into productive citizens in the Greater Charleston area.

In February 2002, Carolina Studios was granted its formal status as a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.  Since 2002, Carolina Studios has served to provide a safe after-school environment during the school year, as well as a full-day environment during the summer months.

In 2007, Carolina Studios forged a win-win relationship with The Boys and Girls Club whereby we could permanently locate one of our programs in their Mary Street location in downtown Charleston.  This relationship has been fantastic for the kids who attend the club’s program.  Our program has greatly strengthened a solid program that was already in place.

In January of 2009, we opened our first public facility as a test for our new public model, located at the recreation center at Mall Park on the corner of America Street and Columbus Street.  This location successfully operated from January 2009 through the end of the summer of 2009.  However, due to its close proximity to our Boys and Girls Club location, we decided to move the Mall Park location to another city park at Forest Park Playground in West Ashley.  This move allows Carolina Studios to target a much larger and more diversified demographic.

These locations are ideal due to the type of children who live in the immediate vicinity, and each location continues to be filled with eager kids wanting to experience our program.  Over the years, Carolina Studios has developed a contemporary curriculum that is productive and stimulating.

Also in January of 2009, Carolina Studios hired three new instructors, and developed a new brand and identity for the organization.