Love House Learning Academy receives $15,000 grant from Power:Ed to create community learning hub for middle school youth

L to R: LHLA Executive Director Theresa A. Roberts, LHLA CFO Tamekia Judge, Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons, SCSLC Marketing Director Destra Capers, and SCSLC President & CEO Trey Simon

BEAUFORT, SC – Love House Learning Academy (LHLA), has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to develop and deliver a comprehensive financial literacy program for approximately 75 sixth to eighth grade students in Beaufort County, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial choices now and in the future.

“We are called to impact the lives of the next generation by equipping and preparing them for today, knowing that what we pour into them now will transform their future,” said LHLA Executive Director Theresa A. Roberts.

LHLA will introduce area middle school students to essential money management skills, including budgeting, saving, and responsible spending. By integrating real-world financial concepts into engaging, age-appropriate lessons, the program strengthens students’ reading comprehension, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. This initiative directly supports LHLA’s mission to provide educational and social support to underserved youth, fostering personal growth, academic achievement, and long-term self-sufficiency. By addressing financial literacy gaps early, we empower students to break cycles of poverty and make informed, confident choices about their futures.

Power:Ed funding will support curriculum materials, interactive tools (e.g., games, workbooks, and budgeting simulations), and guest speakers from the local banking and business community, as well as, staff training, student incentives, and outreach to ensure strong participation, especially among underprivileged and underserved area youth.

“Love House Learning Academy provides a safe and nurturing environment for middle school youth, introducing them to mentoring and career pathways, and starting them on the journey to achieve greater economic opportunities for themselves and their families. Power:Ed and SC Student Loan Corp. are delighted to support the creation of this vital afterschool program,” 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 third quarter, Power:Ed has awarded seven grants (including this LHLA grant) totaling $270,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2026.

About Love House Learning Academy

Since 2009, LHLA has implemented successful educational and workforce development programs serving youth and aging populations in Beaufort County. Through mentoring, academic support, and life skills training, it’s helped over 600 at-risk youth improve academic performance, attendance, and social engagement. More than 85% demonstrated gains in reading and math, and 90% reported increased confidence in achieving educational goals. LHLA’s relationship-based approach builds trust and tailors support to individual needs, while partnerships with local schools and community organizations strengthen impact. Many participants have transitioned successfully to high school, college, or vocational programs, reflecting LHLA’s ongoing commitment to fostering lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and self-sufficiency among underserved populations.

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, underserved, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Nonprofit 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.