Today we’d like to introduce you to James D. Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
KOS, Inc. was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to a growing need for safe, hands-on learning opportunities for children in Smyrna. What began as a few carpentry classes for a handful families quickly revealed a significant demand for programs that help young people build confidence through practical skill development, creativity, and problem-solving. As interest increased, KOS formalized its structure and became a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, skill-centered education during school breaks and weekends.
The organization’s model is informed by professional experience in engineering, public safety, and community-based leadership—backgrounds that have consistently emphasized problem-solving, teamwork, and capacity-building. These values have shaped KOS into a program where children can explore STEM, carpentry, sewing, theatre, visual arts, and other disciplines in an environment designed to foster autonomy and curiosity.
Today, KOS serves families across Smyrna through school-break camps and weekend classes, many of which reach capacity and generate substantial waitlists. As the organization continues to grow, its focus remains on expanding access to high-impact, hands-on learning and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop skills that build both confidence and long-term resilience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most young nonprofits, the road has not always been smooth. KOS is still under five years old, and in the early stages there was little recognition of the model we were building. For the first few years, it often felt as though no one understood the urgency behind our mission: creating a safe, supportive place where children can learn practical skills that are rarely taught in traditional school settings. We had to prove the value of hands-on, confidence-building education before the community truly saw its impact.
Financial sustainability has also been a consistent challenge. Demand for our programs has grown faster than our resources, and like many small nonprofits, we often find ourselves needing additional support to meet that demand—especially as we try to keep our programs accessible to families.
Yet through every obstacle, we’ve had what we needed to move forward. Whether it was a volunteer stepping in at the right time, a donor contributing at a critical moment, or families spreading the word about the value of our programs, the community has consistently shown up. Each challenge has strengthened our commitment to ensuring that every child has a safe place to learn, grow, and build the confidence that carries them far beyond our walls.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
KOS, Inc. provides hands-on, skills-based educational programs for children ages 5–11 during school breaks, as well as weekend skill-building classes for adults. Our work spans STEM, carpentry, sewing, visual arts, theatre, and other creative disciplines—each designed to help participants build confidence through practical learning. We specialize in creating environments where children can explore their abilities, work with real tools and materials, and develop problem-solving skills that translate far beyond the classroom.
KOS is known for its unique blend of creativity, skill development, and social-emotional learning. We do more than teach a project—we teach children how to try, revise, collaborate, and succeed. Families consistently tell us that their children leave our programs more self-assured, more curious, and more willing to take on challenges.
What we are most proud of is the impact we see in our students: children who arrive nervous and unsure often leave with a sense of accomplishment, new skills, and a genuine belief in their own capabilities. Many of our programs fill quickly and develop long waitlists, which affirms both the quality of the experience and the community’s need for this type of education.
What sets us apart is our commitment to hands-on learning at a depth rarely found in typical youth programming. Our curriculum is led by instructors with real-world experience, supported by intentional safety practices, and guided by a mission to build confidence—not just complete activities. This approach allows us to serve as a bridge between creativity and practical skill, offering children a place to learn in ways that traditional school settings often can’t accommodate.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The success of KOS has never been the result of one person’s efforts. Many people and partners have played an essential role in helping the organization grow from a small idea into a valued community resource.
Our families have been our strongest advocates. Parents who believed in our programs early on—when KOS was still relatively unknown—shared their experiences, spread the word, and helped us build trust in the community. Their support created the momentum that allowed us to expand.
We also owe a great deal to our instructors and program staff. Each brings their own expertise—whether in STEM, carpentry, sewing, theatre, or the arts—and their dedication ensures that every child has a safe, enriching, and meaningful experience. Their commitment to the mission is one of the biggest reasons families return year after year.
Local partners and supporters have also played important roles. Organizations like the Cobb EMC Foundation, the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation, and various community groups have provided funding, visibility, and encouragement at critical points. Their investment validated our model and helped us reach more children.
KOS is the product of a community that believes all children deserve access to engaging, hands-on learning. We would not be here without the people who chose to support that vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kossmyrna.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smyrnakosinc?igsh=MWx0angwOXA1ZjA0dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FgPAnTK4G/?mibextid=wwXIfr
