CSU, CCSD launch Big Buc, Little Buc program

Charleston County School District (CCSD), in partnership with Charleston Southern University (CSU), launched the Big Buc, Little Buc program – an initiative designed to foster mentorship and meaningful connections between student-athletes and Ladson Elementary School students.

The program, spearheaded by CCSD’s Department of School Support & Community Engagement Project Manager Lauren Crawford, provides fifth-grade students with a unique opportunity to engage with CSU basketball players in a mentorship setting.

Once a week, during the student’s lunch and recess periods, they meet with their assigned athlete mentor to connect, play games, and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom. This weekend students will get to attend the CSU basketball game on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. against USC Upstate, the final game for the team this season.

The Big Buc, Little Buc program holds special significance for Crawford. It was initially started in the neighboring Dorchester School District Two (DD2) school district by her late mother’s former colleague and elementary school principal, Brooks Moore. Moore, the longest-tenured member of the Buc Club and a former president, has dedicated years of service to fostering positive experiences for young students through athletics and mentorship.

Under Crawford’s leadership, CCSD has reintroduced this impactful initiative to support student’s social and emotional development while strengthening ties between schools and the community.

“The Big Buc, Little Buc Program provides students with trusted role models who offer guidance, encouragement, and a firsthand example of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance,” said Crawford. “By forming bonds with college athletes, students gain a mentor and a tangible example of where hard work and dedication can lead.”

The five-week mentorship journey will culminate in an unforgettable experience for the students – a chance to attend a Charleston Southern University basketball game and watch their mentors in action. This final event will serve as a celebration of the relationships built and the positive influence the program has had on both students and athletes alike.

With its relaunch, Big Buc, Little Buc is once again proving the power of mentorship and the impact of community collaboration. By investing in young minds today, CCSD and CSU are shaping a brighter future for the Lowcountry one connection at a time. 

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