Improving education outcomes in SC’s underserved communities

By Mike Switzer

Published February 13, 2026 at 6:30 AM EST

Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley, founder and board member of the Original Six Foundation, on a visit to the Richard Carroll Elementary School O6 Afterschool program in December of 2025 in her hometown of Bamberg, S.C.

Education has been a hot button issue in our state for quite some time. Including during the time our next guest was governor of this state. Which is why 15 years ago she founded an organization focused on improving education outcomes in our neediest communities. Mike Switzer interviews Nikki Haley, founder and board member of the Original Six Foundation, which this year is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its flagship initiative, the O6 Afterschool program.

Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley visits children at the Richard Carroll Elementary School O6 Afterschool program in Bamberg, SC.

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Mike Switzer

After almost 20 years, Mike Switzer retired from Wells Fargo Securities in 2001 as Senior Vice President/Investment Officer and Certified Portfolio Manager. In 1999, he and his wife, Maggie, purchased and operated for eight years the Baskin Robbins ice cream store on Forest Drive in Columbia. They grew the store from a bottom-tier operation in the Baskin Robbins franchise system to one in the top 5% nationwide within three years, tripling sales along the way. While operating the ice cream store, Mike and Maggie received patents for a portable ice cream sink and fold-down sneezeguard they invented and in 2002 started Magnolia Carts, an ice cream cart manufacturing company, which they sold in 2013.

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