Greenville Tech Foundation receives grant to strengthen the local community

The Greenville Tech Foundation has received a grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina to further its efforts to support the ASPIRE program, which addresses key barriers to economic mobility for high-risk, high-need students at Greenville Technical College. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that strive to reduce poverty throughout the state of South Carolina, and the Greenville Tech Foundation is one of 93 organizations funded this spring.

“Our students, most of whom are first-generation college attendees, are supported in ways that help them find their footing on a path that may be new to them, but holds the promise of being a road more traveled for generations to come in their families,” said Michael Burgess, Director—Aspire Scholars Initiative.

In this cycle of funding, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awarded grants totaling $1,287,000 to nonprofit organizations across the state. The $20,000 grant to the Greenville Tech Foundation will allow the organization to expand the reach of ASPIRE by providing enhanced access to academic support services, personalized mentoring, textbook stipends, emergency financial assistance, and cultural enrichment activities. These supports empower students to overcome challenges, persist in their education, complete a degree or certificate, and ultimately break cycles of generational poverty.

“Our grantee partners are having a profound impact across South Carolina, supporting individuals and families who are experiencing poverty and working to dismantle the complex systems that allow poverty to persist,” said Donna Waites, President of the Foundation. “Each one of them approaches their work with compassion and an open heart, whether they’re advocating for policy change; offering innovative, evidence-based programs; or listening and responding to immediate community needs.”

Lee Pearson, Chair of the Foundation’s Board, added: “The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is committed to reducing poverty through action, advocacy, and leadership. It is an honor to support, partner with, and learn from these organizations as we work to create a South Carolina where everyone can thrive.”