Teach My People receives $30,000 grant from Power:Ed to boost college readiness program in Pawleys Island and Georgetown
March 11, 2024
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC – Teach My People (TMP) has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support middle and high school students in Pawleys Island and Georgetown with college readiness and career exploration programs. The funds will be used to support teacher salaries, program supplies, mental health support, and college tours. Students will learn resume writing and SAT prep skills, take career assessment surveys, visit college campuses, and also learn about youth apprenticeships.
Pictured L to R: Teach My People Executive Director Eric Spatz; Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons; TMP Pawleys Island Campus Director Nathalie Russell; and students.
“Through the expertise of our highly trained and educated staff, along with the loving dedication of our community volunteers and donors, and the support of organizations like Power:Ed, we are able to provide academic assistance, character development, cultural and spiritual enrichment, nutrition and physical activity daily for our students,” said Eric Spatz, Teach My People Executive Director.
Teach My People students are identified as underserved by partner school districts. The goal is to have students cared for and mentored throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years. TMP’s afterschool program provides homework assistance, tutoring, mentoring in education and values, Bible studies, cultural enrichment activities, a college vision program, recreation life skills and hot nutritious meals.
Teach My People students also participate in a five-week summer program focused on maintaining their academics during the summer break while engaging in various enrichments. In addition, there is an individualized swim instruction every day. This is a vital skill set; most students who first enroll in the program do not know how to swim. At high school graduation, students are offered a work-study scholarship to any trade school, technical college, or college/university of their choice.
“Teach My People is an impressive organization with a strong track record. More than 95% of its students graduate on time, and all participants either continue their education or enter the workforce and military,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons. “We are excited to help boost the college and career readiness opportunities for these students and look forward to what they will accomplish.”
In FY2023-24 Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this third quarter, Power:Ed has awarded five grants (including this grant to TMP) totaling $185,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2024.
About Teach My People
Teach My People’s mission is to teach children and youth in partnering schools to overcome academic, economic, and social challenges and impact families through the delivery of Christ-centered programs and services that promote spiritual, educational, and emotional growth.
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.
