FAIRFIELD COUNTY — The Midlands STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Institute will hold information sessions over the next few weeks to inform parents of a new free public education option available to any student who will be in kindergarten through fifth grade starting in the fall of 2014

Informational meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 28 at Christ Central Community Center, 235 S. Congress St. in Winnsboro, and at 6:30 p.m. April 1 at Ridgeway Town Hall 170 South Dogwood Ave. in Ridgeway.

A group of concerned parents led by local parent Kevin Thomas and by Marie Milam are applying for a charter through the state charter school district. Once the charter is approved, the Midlands STEM Institute will be open to any student in Richland, Fairfield, Kershaw, Chester and surrounding counties.

The Midlands STEM Institute will accept letters of intent from the parents of potential students at the informational events. To gain approval from the State Charter School District, Midlands STEM will have to gather the needed signatures to gain approval.

Call Thomas at 803-361-1228 or send an email to midlandssteminstitute@gmail.com for more information.