Richland Library awarded Power:Ed grant to support Career Online High School students
February 16, 2026
Richland Library is the recipient of a $40,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation. This gift marks the fifth year of support from Power:Ed and will serve 31 Richland County residents in completing Richland Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) program. COHS prepares adult students for careers, whether they are entering the workplace for the first time or want to advance in their current places of employment. Students choose a major from 10 high-growth, high-demand career fields and complete coursework to develop the skills and knowledge that employers need.
Pictured L to R: Tamara King, Richland Library Executive Director; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed Executive Director
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to continue providing scholarships for adult learners to earn their high school diplomas and equip them with the skills necessary to secure better paying careers, and hopefully transform their families’ financial outcomes,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
Since launching in 2018, COHS at Richland Library is a free program for Richland County residents ages 21 and older who have completed the eighth grade and are looking to earn their high school diploma. The COHS program began in 2018 and Richland Library welcomed its first graduating class of five students in October of 2019. As of today, the program has 152 graduates, with the eighth graduation event scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026. Richland Library’s Career Online High School program was featured on a CBS News: Eye on America segment on June 21, 2024. To learn more about Career Online High School, click here.
In FY2025-26 Power:Ed will award $1,300,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this third quarter, Power:Ed has awarded seven grants (including this grant to Richland Library) totaling $270,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2026.
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, underserved, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Nonprofit 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.
About Richland Library
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 13 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
