Our Mission & Impact

KOS Inc. is a Smyrna-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building confidence and autonomy in children and adults through hands-on creative education. We bridge the childcare gap in Cobb County by providing intensive STEAM, crafts, and life-skills programming during school closures and throughout the year.

Our Origin
& Leadership

KOS began as a grassroots response to the COVID-19 pandemic, starting with a series of carpentry classes for local children who needed a creative outlet during lockdown. What began as a local carpentry workshop has evolved into a comprehensive educational collective. Today, our instructors are local community members dedicated to sharing vital skills ranging from theatre and music to yoga and Spanish with the next generation and their peers.

Our Leadership Team

Co-Founder & President

James is a U.S. Army veteran (Iraq 2003–2004) and former Smyrna Fire Department Lieutenant/Paramedic (2006–2018). His transition from public service to educational leadership began at his local business, Neighbors Feed & Seed Supply Co., where he taught carpentry to youth during the pandemic. James brings technical mastery and a deep commitment to resilience and empowering the next generation to KOS.

James D. Smith

Elaine Friend

Co-Founder & Vice President

Elaine is a professional educator who previously traveled with Missoula Children’s Theatre, directing youth productions across the country. She leverages her background in creative expression to design the KOS curriculum, including theatre, sewing, music, and yoga. Her focus is on ensuring every child feels valued and capable of success through the arts.

STEM Director

A Smyrna resident for over 20 years and a professional aerospace engineer, Kevin has guided over 20,000 students through hands-on learning. As the STEM Director and a maker space advisor, he crafts immersive programs in robotics and scientific discovery to ignite lifelong passions for engineering.

Kevin Howard

What We Do:
Holistic Skill-Building

KOS provides a diverse curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and self-reliance. Our programs are divided into two core pillars:

  • Youth Break Camps (Ages 5-11): Comprehensive day camps during Cobb County school breaks featuring STEM, sewing, carpentry, Spanish, and visual arts.

  • Adult & Teen Workshops: Monthly and quarterly classes ranging from woodworking and sewing to stand-up comedy and yoga.

Why KOS Matters: Addressing the Smyrna Childcare & Learning Gap

In Cobb County, working families face a significant lack of support during out-of-school time (OST). With 26.6% of local children in single-parent homes and 11.7% living in poverty, KOS serves as a vital community resource. While traditional after-school programs in our community often close during school breaks, KOS remains open to provide a safe, enriching environment that emphasizes:

  1. STEAM & Home Economics: Practical mastery of technology and domestic arts.

  2. Social-Emotional Learning: Developing honesty, accountability, and motivation.

  3. Educational Autonomy: Moving beyond rote learning to inspire genuine curiosity and life-long resilience.