Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Columbia families can apply to the new STEM charter school.

Coming up: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Good morning Columbia! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Columbia families can apply to the new STEM charter school.
  • Could these everyday changes signal early dementia in a loved one?
  • How USC's new robotic system could reshape Columbia's manufacturing future.

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Columbia Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Columbia Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, temps: high: 76, low: 63.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 72 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The First HBCU-Authorized Public Charter School Is Set To Welcome Students In Columbia, SC (afrotech.com) — A new tuition-free STEM-focused charter school, C.R. Neal Academy, is slated to open in Columbia in August 2027 after the city granted a zoning exception on Atlas Road. Backed by Bible Way Church and authorized by Voorhees University, the school plans to start with 260 students and grow to more than 900, with applications opening October 28 for the 2027–28 year.
   

2. Sunrise Sitdown: World Alzheimer's Day (wistv.com) — Families in Columbia are being urged to watch for subtle early signs of dementia, such as trouble with familiar tasks, missed appointments, or sudden mood changes. A local expert from Right at Home Columbia shared advice on seeking medical evaluation early and connecting with caregiving resources, including support from community providers and the Alzheimer's Association.
   

3. USC McNAIR Center Installs Mikrosam Libra Robotic AFP System (compositesworld.com) — The University of South Carolina's McNAIR Center in Columbia has installed a cutting-edge Mikrosam Libra robotic fiber-placement system, boosting the city's role in advanced aerospace manufacturing. The equipment will support research, workforce training, and contract work with industry and government partners, offering local engineers and students hands-on access to high-end composite manufacturing technology.
   

4. 130 Special Events Intern Jobs in Columbia, SC (news-usa.today) — If you're looking to break into events or hospitality in Columbia, about 130 special events intern roles are currently listed on Indeed. The article explains how these internships, many tied to local institutions and Richland County programs, can help students and career-changers gain experience and build connections in the city's growing events scene.
   

5. Field Reimbursement Manager, Neuroscience – (Atlanta, GA) – Patient Engagement & Customer Solutions (PECS) (jnj.com) — Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is hiring a Field Reimbursement Manager for a territory that includes Columbia, meaning a qualified local candidate could work closely with area healthcare providers on patient access to neuroscience therapies. The role is heavily travel-based, requires at least five years' experience in reimbursement or account management, and emphasizes helping patients start and stay on prescribed treatments.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

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📣 Columbia Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm going to post something positive.....
    The hummingbirds are still here! At this time of year it's the juveniles who are the last to leave. I look forward to watching my little friends with… (Nextdoor North Trace)
  • I had such a great time at Barnes & Noble yesterday!
    My body & Soul are hugely enriched when I'm surrounded by that many books, magazines, DVDs, etc. I hugged a couple of people that I've known for… (Nextdoor Graeme Drive)
  • The Weisiger Group posted a job opening for Field Service Technician – Material Handling Equipment in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Pull-A-Part & U Pull & Pay posted a job opening for Production Team Member | Automotive in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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