Greenville Chamber Foundation awarded $250,000 grant to expand LaunchGVL program
July 16, 2026
The Greenville Chamber Foundation has been awarded a $250,000 grant from The Leon Levine Foundation through the Carolina Career-Connected Learning Challenge to expand LaunchGVL, the partnership between the Greenville Chamber and Greenville County Schools designed to connect high school students with paid internships.
The Carolina Career-Connected Learning Challenge was created to identify and support organizations building innovative career-connected learning pathways that help students transition from education to meaningful, livable-wage careers. More than 130 organizations from North and South Carolina applied for funding. Following a highly competitive review process, just 15 organizations were selected to receive grants.
The Greenville Chamber Foundation’s proposal was recognized for its commitment to expanding opportunity and economic mobility for students and young adults across Greenville County.
“Preparing students for successful careers starts with meaningful connections between education and business,” said Cheryl Garrison, Executive Director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation. “This investment from The Leon Levine Foundation allows us to significantly expand LaunchGVL, giving hundreds more students access to real-world work experience while helping employers develop the future workforce they need to succeed.”
Since inception in 2018, LaunchGVL has connected hundreds of Greenville County students with paid internships that prepare them for college and careers while helping employers build a strong local talent pipeline.
The grant will support the continued growth of the program by:
- Increasing student participation from 220 to 300 students annually, expanding access by more than 30%.
- Recruiting and engaging additional business partners to create more paid internship opportunities.
- Placing dedicated LaunchGVL Champions at three priority high schools to provide enhanced student support and coaching.
- Expanding the LaunchGVL Ambassador network to every Greenville County Schools high school.
- Investing in technology and data systems to strengthen participant tracking, employer engagement, and long-term program outcomes.
About the Greenville Chamber Foundation
The Greenville Chamber Foundation supports transformative projects across the Upstate region in support of the Greenville Chamber’s mission of leading, convening and mobilizing the business community to drive regional, economic growth.
About the Greenville Chamber
The Greenville Chamber is a 137-year-old, 1,400-member business and economic development organization that connects people, advocates for businesses, and accelerates business and regional economic growth.
About The Leon Levine Foundation
Established in 1980 by Leon Levine, founder and former chairman of Family Dollar Stores, Inc., The Leon Levine Foundation empowers underserved Carolinians to be self-sufficient and strengthens Jewish communities. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Foundation creates impact through grants and investments across North and South Carolina, supporting both longstanding community partners and focused strategic initiatives. The Foundation is on a time-bound mission to strengthen children and families, build strong futures for hardworking adults, and cultivate vibrant Jewish communities. Guided by Mr. Levine’s vision, the Foundation’s philanthropy is anchored in four enduring
