Dyslexia Resource Center receives $25,000 grant from Power:Ed to support more Midlands youth
February 29, 2024
Dyslexia Resource Center (DRC) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support area middle school students who are below grade level in reading. The funds will be used to purchase evidence-based literacy training instruction (EBLI) for eight new tutors. EBLI is proven to increase student test scores and each activity incorporates multiple literacy components, teaching reading, spelling, and handwriting simultaneously resulting in accelerated student gains.
“The Dyslexia Resource Center is dedicated to its mission of providing accessible and affordable tutoring services to students. The Power:Ed grant funds will play a crucial role in providing tutor training, ultimately leading to more proficient readers and lifelong learners in the Midlands,” said DRC Executive Director Jennifer Neese. “It’s inspiring to see organizations like Power:Ed making a difference in the lives of students in our community.”
EBLI’s adherence to the science of reading principles, coupled with its focus on structured literacy instruction, makes it a powerful tool for enhancing literacy outcomes for students. Educators appreciate the clarity and coherence of EBLI’s approach, which simplifies the teaching process and maximizes student success.
“Middle school students not mastering foundational literacy skills are often placed in low level classes and never receive the one-on-one or small group intervention they need, and they fall further behind,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons. “We want to help these students thrive by making sure they have access to teachers and tutors with the specialized knowledge to equip them with techniques to succeed in school and in life.”
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 DRC) totaling $185,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2024.
About Dyslexia Resource Center (DRC)
Driven by the desire to provide wide-spread access to the invaluable teaching tools found in structured literacy, Tracey Ely and Hap Ely founded DRC (formerly Tutor Eau Claire) over twenty years ago. Work that began with a handful of children in their Eau Claire neighborhood has expanded to serve children in the downtown and northeast area of Columbia as well as continuing to serve the Eau Claire community. Over the years DRC has built a team of dedicated tutors, brought in national trainers for workshops and courses, and invested in various materials and resources to be used by Richland County Library.
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.
[Photo enclosure caption]: Pictured L to R: Sue Cate; DRC Executive Director Jennifer Neese; Tracy Ely; Maggie Dye, Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons; Melanie Burley; and SC Student Loan President & CEO Trey Simon.
