The Hearts Behind the Acute Scholars Program
At Acute Heating & Cooling, we believe in keeping families comfortable — not just in their homes, but in their futures. That’s why we created the Acute Scholars Program – “A Year of Tutoring, A Lifetime of Learning.”
This program is deeply personal to us. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I (Octavia) struggled with literacy. I know what it feels like to sit in class and not understand grammar, to struggle with fluency, and to feel ashamed when you hope the teacher doesn’t call on you to read.
Those struggles left a mark, but as I grew older, I took my education into my own hands. I worked hard to improve my reading — and along the way, I was blessed with support from my teachers and, most importantly, from my husband, Thomas. That journey showed me how life-changing it can be when a child has the right people in their corner. With encouragement, guidance, and resources, confidence and success become possible.
Thomas and I both believe that strong communities are built by investing in children. The Acute Scholars Program is our way of giving that same support to students who may not otherwise have access to it. We want children in Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding areas to feel confident, encouraged, and equipped to succeed — not just for today, but for their entire future.
Each year, selected students will receive a full year of tutoring to help them in the areas where they need it most. For us, this isn’t just about academics — it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and planting seeds of lifelong success.
This is more than a holiday gift. It’s our promise to keep investing in the next generation, year after year.
— Octavia & Thomas Edwards
Owners, Acute Heating & Cooling
The Power of Reading Changes Everything
- Early Literacy Shapes Futures
Children who don’t learn to read by 3rd grade are 4x more likely to drop out of high school. - Confidence Starts with Reading
Struggling readers often face low self-esteem, avoid class participation, and miss out on opportunities to build confidence. - The Poverty Connection
Nearly 82% of children from low-income families are not reading at grade level by 4th grade. - Tutoring Works
Consistent tutoring leads to 2–3 times more growth in reading and math compared to no tutoring support. - Community Impact
Every child who becomes a confident reader is more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and give back to their community.
Focused on Literacy and Confidence-Building
- A full year of tutoring for selected students in grades 1–8.
- Focus on literacy and building confidence in learning.
- Priority for students from low-income households, single-parent families, or Title I schools.
- Applications open Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2025.
- Scholars announced Dec 19, 2025.
Working Together for Student Success
The Acute Scholars Program is made possible through collaboration with trusted tutoring partners who share our belief in the power of education. These partners provide the personalized support, encouragement, and academic guidance that help children thrive.
Are you an educator or tutor who wants to partner with us? Contact us to learn more.
More Than a Holiday Gift – A Promise to Our Community
Every child deserves the chance to succeed—and sometimes, all it takes is a little extra support and encouragement to change their path. This program was created to give students the confidence, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“I know what it feels like to struggle in class. This program is my way of making sure children get the support I once needed.” — Octavia
“Investing in children means investing in the future of our community. That’s why this program matters so much to us.” — Thomas
Together, we’re not just giving, it’s a lasting promise to uplift, inspire, and build a brighter tomorrow for every child.
Together We Can Change Futures
Join us in empowering the next generation! We invite families, teachers, and mentors to nominate a student who shows promise, determination, or a passion for learning. Help us spread the word—share this opportunity with your community, clients, and friends so more deserving students can benefit.