Build Carolina awarded $40,000 from Power:Ed to support rural expansion of SC Codes
April 18, 2023
Build Carolina, headquartered in Greenville, has been awarded $40,000 from Power:Ed, a philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, for the rural partnership expansion of its existing SC Codes programs in Barnwell, Lugoff, Elgin, Greenwood, and Hemingway. Site partnership support is a key indicator of success for many SC Codes learners – particularly those located in rural areas. With a strong site partnership, learners are better able to complete courses and to access a career path.
Like Power:Ed, the goal of SC Codes is to prepare more South Carolinians for the workforce through strengthening both critical thinking and technical skills. In less than five years, SC Codes has introduced over 50,000 people to the world of coding through access to its free learning platform. Learners have completed over 3,700 courses, either in person or online.
“SC Codes is removing barriers and helping learners unlock pathways to tech-enabled careers,” said Power:Ed Director Claire Gibbons. “Power:Ed, a philanthropy of SC Student Loan, is excited to help residents of our state’s rural communities access the workforce development resources needed to build and sustain well paid tech careers.”
Funding from Power:Ed will help to support a rural partnership advocate, who is integral to the success of rural learners and mentors. Funding will also support training and compensation for rural instructors, who lead a plan of study for each location, and who provide direct support to learners.
“The SC Codes program is helping thousands of South Carolinians access information, benefit from free training, and build relationships with our amazing community of technical talent,” said Lelia King, Build Carolina Executive Director. “We are grateful for this partnership with Power:Ed, and look forward to using this grant to create a blueprint for similar communities.”
“Build Carolina and the SC Codes program continue to make technology education more accessible in our state. The South Carolina Department of Commerce is a proud funder of SC Codes, as the program’s goals directly align with the agency’s mission to create economic opportunities and increase choices for all South Carolinians,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel. “We are excited for how the Power:Ed grant will enable SC Codes to further extend the reach of its coding education in rural areas.”
In FY2022-23, Power:Ed is investing $900,000 in South Carolina education and career-readiness organizations, and so far this year, 17 nonprofits have been funded. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant application deadline is July 1, 2023.
Pictured L to R: Lelia King, Build Carolina Executive Director; Cara Davis Anderson, Program Coordinator; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed Director; and Kaity Miller, Build Carolina COO.
About Build Carolina
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Greenville, Build Carolina is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in South Carolina focused on advancing the state’s technology community and tech talent ecosystem. With an aspirational vision of a thriving, accessible tech talent ecosystem, Build Carolina provides resources for employers; job training for people seeking employment; and programs for upskilling. The organization currently runs three programs in support of this mission: Develop Carolina, Carolina Code School, and SC Codes.
About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, a 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.
