Fort Jackson  Base Essentials

To help prepare sponsors for success, the Sponsorship Program provides training and access to important information and resources that can help newcomers master their move. The Sponsorship Program helps sponsors fulfill their responsibilities, which may include:

• Contacting the service member and family with an introductory email
• Staying in contact with the service member throughout the moving process
• Sending information about the new community and duty assignment, responding to questions and providing information about resources
• Confirming transportation and lodging arrangements
• Helping with post office arrangements
• Meeting service members and family members upon arrival
• Going with service members to unit check-in point
• Introducing service members to the Military and Family Support Center and loan closet, if it’s available
• Familiarizing service members and families with the installation and key locations, like the commissary

Note: Responsibilities may vary based on service-specific policies and guidance. Make sure to check with your service branch for sponsor training requirements.

Overall, the Sponsorship Program aims to:

• Provide newcomers with a sense of belonging
• Ease the transition for inbound service members or civilians and their family members
• Increase productivity of service members and loved ones
• Help newcomers make informed decisions
• Cultivate new friendships
• Improve morale

For more information on the Sponsorship Program, contact your installation Military and Family Support Center.

Sponsorship is also available for youth. Installation youth sponsorship programs help military-connected youth make a successful transition to a new community. Primarily directed to preteen and teenaged youth, installation youth programs/centers provide information and materials on programs and services available at their new location. Where available, youth can exchange emails, talk on the phone or chat online with other youth. The youth program staff at your new installation can offer more information on installation youth sponsorship programs.

You can also contact your installation School Liaison Program office for information about school-based youth sponsorship programs such as Anchored4Life and Student2Student. These peer-to-peer programs help your student adjust to and navigate their new school.

If your child would like to become a youth sponsor, contact your installation School Liaison Program or youth program/center.

Families with children may also want to visit Military Kids Connect, an online community for military children and youth. The site offers games, videos and links to teen-led installation tours.

Fort Jackson also has a Youth Sponsorship Program. Did you recently receive PCS orders and have a child that's worried about moving? Maybe you've heard them wonder:

• Who will my new friends be?
• What will my new school look like?
• What activities/sports are available?
• Will I fit in?
• What are the other kids wearing?

The Youth Sponsorship Program connects your child to another youth in the new community to answer these questions and so much more.

Why should my child request a sponsor? A sponsor:

• Allows your child to get to know their community before they arrive.
• Provides them with someone who can show them the ropes in their new community.
• Helps reduce social isolation, leading to a healthier transition with reduced stress and at-risk behaviors.
• Gives youth a youth perspective on their new community and school.
• Allows you to focus on other aspects of transition, knowing that your child’s needs are being met.

What does the Youth Sponsorship Program provide for my child?

Their sponsor will provide them a welcome packet and information about their new community before they arrive. Upon arrival their sponsor will arrange for them to have a tour of the community and, once you know which school they will be attending, provide information about the school and arrange for a tour there as well. Various activities and events will help your child meet new people, learn about their school and community, and expose them to various activities and events.

How do I get a sponsor assigned to my child?  Once you receive PCS orders contact your school liaison officer.

What is a youth sponsor?

Youth sponsors are at both the youth center and the school and provide information about the community and school to their sponsoree via welcome packets, email and face-to-face communication

• Youth sponsors ensure their assigned sponsorees have the right information to help them learn about their community and school and connect to other youth who have similar interests.
• They plan events that help transitioning youth feel more connected to their community. 
• They are leaders in their school and community.

Why should my child become a youth sponsor?

• Builds a sense of belonging in their community and gives you the opportunity to give back to others
• Teaches new coping and resilience strategies that can assist your child when they transition
• Builds leadership experience
• Provides opportunities for service learning hours
• Offers opportunities to participate in training and programs with other youth across the community
• Provides adult mentorship
• Inspires youth to be an active part of their community

How can my child become a youth sponsor? Contact the school liaison office at 803-751-6150.

Other Sponsorship Information

Sponsorship for civilians is the responsibility of the gaining supervisor.

Other Important Post Information

Fort Jackson Post Office does not give P.O. boxes in advance because of the high demand. Prior to departing, you should request your local post office place a "hold" on your mail. Once arriving at Fort Jackson, you may obtain a P.O. box at the post office. Personal mailboxes may also be obtained in advanced by calling UPS (located at the PX) at 803-227-2692.