Greenville Literacy Association awarded $100,000 Power:Ed Grant to scale college & career pathways for adult learners
August 12, 2026
Front row, l to r: Neil Grayson, SC Student Loan Corp Board Member; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed Executive Director; Victoria Novak, GLA Executive Director; and Liz Meeker, GLA College and Career Navigator with GLA staff and board members.
Greenville Literacy Association (GLA) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from SC Student Loan Corporation through its philanthropy, Power:Ed, to expand GLA’s College & Career Pathway framework and strengthen workforce and postsecondary education opportunities for adult learners across the Upstate.
The one-year grant will help GLA build the organizational capacity needed to serve approximately 500 adult learners annually by supporting a full-time Manager of College & Career Pathways, strengthening College & Career Navigation services, expanding workplace training initiatives, and enhancing data systems to better measure student outcomes and long-term success. The initiative will align closely with TalentRiseSC’s navigation efforts, creating stronger connections between adult education, workforce development, and postsecondary education.
“This investment represents an exciting next step in Greenville Literacy Association’s strategic vision,” said Victoria Novak, Executive Director of Greenville Literacy Association. “Adult learners often face barriers that extend far beyond the classroom. By strengthening our College & Career Pathway framework, we’re creating a coordinated system of coaching, employer partnerships, and educational navigation that helps students not only earn credentials, but successfully transition into careers, training, and long-term economic mobility.”
The grant will support individualized career coaching, educational planning, workforce pathway exploration, career assessments, postsecondary transitions, and expanded employer partnerships. Funding will also provide partial support for technology implementation and data management, allowing GLA to better track learner outcomes while continuously improving services.
“Quality coaching that meets adult learners where they are, connecting them to resources, academic supports, and workforce opportunities is essential to overcoming barriers and boosting degree or credential attainment,” said Claire Gibbons, Executive Director of Power:Ed. “This is SC Student Loan’s fourth grant to Greenville Literacy, and we are proud to continue partnering with them, as well as TalentRiseSC, to help more adults achieve the skills and education necessary to thrive personally and professionally.”
Power:Ed will award $1,425,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness nonprofit organizations during FY2026-27. During the first fiscal quarter, Power:Ed awarded nine grants totaling $527,000, including Greenville Literacy Association’s award. Grants are administered quarterly, with the next application deadline set for October 1, 2026.
Greenville Literacy Association’s College & Career Pathway framework integrates adult education with career coaching, digital literacy, workforce readiness, employer engagement, and postsecondary transitions. By combining foundational education with individualized navigation and strong community partnerships, GLA is helping adults build sustainable pathways to employment, credential attainment, and economic self-sufficiency.
Those interested in learning more about GLA’s programs or registering for services can call (864) 467-3456 or visit greenvilleliteracy.org.
