Power:Ed awards SCICU 3rd annual $25,000 HBCU undergraduate research grant
August 30, 2024
S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) announced the receipt of a Power:Ed $25,000 grant for fostering increased participation in the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program by students attending SCICU’s five member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) — Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College, and Voorhees University.
This year marks the third consecutive annual funding cycle that Power:Ed, the philanthropy of the S. C. Student Loan Corporation, has supported undergraduate student research projects at SCICU’s member HBCUs. Increasing HBCU participation in the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program provides quality research opportunities to minority students that enriches their college experience and provides valuable training in the areas of science, math, humanities, public speaking, and teamwork.
Pictured L to R: Dr. Larry Lowe, Benedict College Department Chair – Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Health Science; Emma Reabold, SCICU vice president of development and campus services; Trissania Lawrence, Benedict College student researcher; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed executive director; Candice Lawrence, Benedict College student researcher; Trey Simon, SC Student Loan Corporation president, and Dr. Samir Raychoudhury, Benedict College dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Created in 1995, SCICU’s Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program provides substantial grant-funded research opportunities to undergraduates attending SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities. The program presents students with professional research development opportunities – from submitting proposals for competitive funding review to presenting final project findings at the annual research symposium. The program has been used as a model for other state associations to develop undergraduate research programs.
“We deeply appreciate South Carolina Student Loan Corporation’s support of students at SCICU member HBCUs participating in our Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program,” said Emma Reabold, SCICU vice president for development and campus services. “This Power:Ed grant will inspire student researchers at our five member HBCUs to pursue excellence in their fields of study and become our next generation’s great leaders and thinkers.”
“Innovation is at the heart of advancing South Carolina’s economy and creating opportunities for our next gen workforce. We are pleased to sustain this research grant for $5,000 to each of the five HBCUs within the SCICU network for a third year and look forward to what these student leaders will accomplish,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
In its fiscal year 2023-24, Power:Ed awarded 25 grants totaling $1,000,000 to South Carolina education and career readiness nonprofit organizations, including SCICU. The S.C. Student Loan philanthropy is committed to investing another million in FY 2024-25. Grants are reviewed and awarded quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is October 1, 2024.
About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of S.C. Student Loan Corporation, 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. 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.
This news release is also available on the SCICU website: https://scicu.org/powered-awards-scicu-3rd-annual-25000-hbcu-undergraduate-research-grant/.
About SCICU
SCICU supports and promotes the values of independent higher education in South Carolina through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspirations, and approach to learning. SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities educate and inspire more than 36,000 students throughout South Carolina and beyond. Learn more at scicu.org.
