AnMed Foundation receives $50,000 grant from Power:Ed to strengthen and diversify medical workforce talent
February 16, 2026
The AnMed Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support the Upstate Pre-Med Bootcamp program. Twenty-four college upper classmen from across South Carolina will experience medical school for two weeks this May at the bootcamp, offered jointly by the MUSC AnMed Clinical Campus, Anderson University, AnMed and Upstate AHEC.
This is the second grant award from Power:Ed in support of this program.
The experience helps confirm career choices before students invest in another eight years in training, possibly incurring debt. Funding increases access for low-income students by providing stipends to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel and make up for lost wages. Students who complete the program receive ongoing career guidance and assistance paying for application costs, such as the MCAT.
Participants will engage with Anderson University faculty at the Center for Medical Simulations and access the University’s cadaver lab to observe and learn.
A unique feature of the annual event is the participation of veteran physicians, current medical students and a dozen bootcamp alumni who encourage pre-med majors to explore opportunities.
Nationally only 16% of freshmen pre-med students go on to apply to medical school, and less than half of those are selected. First-generation students, underrepresented populations and students from rural high schools are less likely to become physicians. The bootcamp gives students exposure to a teaching hospital and networking introductions.
“We appreciate this generous grant through Power:Ed as it helps talented students gain insight into the application process leading up to medical school, the journey to licensure and what it means to be a doctor,” said Renee Monaghan, MD, associate dean for the MUSC AnMed Clinical Campus. “Our alumni, many now currently in medical school or in other health-related post-graduate training, are proof that this camp is making a positive impact to the state.”
South Carolina is expected to have a deficit of 3,000 doctors by 2030 with the greatest need: primary care physicians. Since its inception in 2022, the bootcamp has served attendees from 24 colleges and universities across the state.
The grant spurred Anderson University to identify nearby college pre-med advisors and invite them to form a group. Upstate AHEC will ensure advisors have up-to-date information on scholarships, fee waivers and resources. All four of the state’s medical schools take part in the Upstate camp.
Camp co-founder Dr. Carrie Koenigstein, Anderson University associate dean of Natural Sciences said, “The goal is to keep talented students from falling through the cracks. Some might realize they do not want to be physicians, so the partners can connect those students to alternate paths such as dental, physician assistant, pharmacy or physical therapy schools.”
Koenigstein is proud of the project because of the connections students make.
“Mentorship is vital to all students, but especially those who are the first in their family to strive to become a physician,” Koenigstein said.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud once again to support this innovative program to help diversify and strengthen the Upstate’s medical talent pipeline. It’s crucial for students to find the right career pathways for them before incurring debt,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
In FY 2025-26 Power:Ed will award $1,300,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this its third quarter, Power:Ed has awarded seven grants (including this grant to AnMed) totaling $270,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2026.
[Photo enclosure caption]: L to R: Ray Jones, Thornton Kirby, Neil Grayson, Ann Skinner, Trey Simon, Dr. Renee Mognahan, Dr. Stoney Abercrombie, Tim Self, Gautum Ghatnekar, Claire Gibbons, and Willie Jeffries.
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, underrepresented, 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.
About AnMed Foundation
AnMed Foundation helps ensure that the people served by AnMed have access to quality health and medical services. Its mission is to inspire generous charitable giving that strengthens and sustains exceptional health care throughout the area. Guided by core values of compassion, innovation, integrity, accountability and collaboration, AnMed was named one of the nation’s “Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Learn more at AnMed.org.
About Anderson University
Anderson University is a “more selective,” comprehensive Christian university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus and online. It is South Carolina’s largest private university. Anderson University is the #2 private university in South Carolina, according to Niche.com, is among U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Regional Universities South,” and is on the publication’s “Best Value,” “Best Schools for Veterans, ”Best First-Year Experience” and “Best Online Programs” lists. Anderson is a five-time Apple Distinguished School and on the honor roll of the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For® program.
