Columbia, South Carolina (Press release) – Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation.
The funds will be used to sustain the growth of JA’s Inspire Virtual program for a fourth year, offering a career development program to over 10,000 SC middle and high school students in spring 2025. JA Inspire Virtual is more than a career fair: it brings together the business community and local schools and is designed to help launch students into their future—high school, college, and careers beyond.
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Students will be introduced to companies throughout the state and the career options that exist at each company. This dynamic career development experience provides next generation of SC workers access to high-growth careers and employers, post-secondary education opportunities, and interactive career activities. Due to teacher demand, it will now be available for six months for students to access.
Junior Achievement of Greater SC President, Casey Pash said, “Because of SC Student Loan Corporation and its philanthropy, Power:Ed, students from across South Carolina will be better equipped with skillsets and mindsets to enter the workforce. We are so grateful for investors like Power:Ed who believe in investing in South Carolina students to help prepare them to succeed in communities throughout SC.”
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“SC Student Loan Corporation is proud to support these important programs helping SC students boost their career readiness with the opportunities to learn about and explore diverse, in-demand career pathways,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons. “We hope it inspires SC youth to continue their education and training in the state and fulfill their career potential with SC companies.”
In FY2024-25 Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In its second quarter, Power:Ed has awarded six grants (including this JA grant) totaling $254,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is Jan. 1, 2025.
About Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina
For 56 years, Junior Achievement (JA) of Greater SC has been preparing students for the future workforce in 43 counties across South Carolina with JA learning experiences. This school year JA expects to reach over 40,000 students. JA envisions a world where young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities through learning experiences focused on three critical life skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. JA’s strategy is to recruit corporate and community volunteers who serve as mentors and role models to deliver the statistically proven JA curriculum to students in their classrooms or virtually during the school day.
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About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, minority, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed, should visit power-ed.org.
