Richland Library awarded Power:Ed grant to support Career Online High School students
December 8, 2024
Richland Library is the recipient of a $30,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation. This gift marks the fourth round of funding from Power:Ed and will serve 23 Richland County residents in completing Richland Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) program. Career Online High School prepares adult students for careers, whether they are entering the workplace for the first time or want to advance in their current places of employment. Students choose a major from 10 high-growth, high-demand career fields and complete coursework to develop the skills and knowledge that employers need.
“For the fourth year, Power:Ed is proud to continue providing scholarships for adult learners to earn their high school diplomas and equip them with the skills necessary to secure better paying careers, and hopefully transform their families’ financial outcomes,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
Trey Simon, SC Student Loan President & CEO; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed Executive Director; Melanie Huggins, Richland Library Executive Director
Richland Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) is a free program for Richland County residents ages 21 and older who have completed the eighth grade and are looking to earn their high school diploma. The COHS program began in 2018 and Richland Library welcomed its first graduating class of five students in October of 2019. As of today, the program has 108 graduates, with the 7th Graduation event scheduled for April 13, 2025. Richland Library’s Career Online High School program was featured on a CBS News: Eye on America segment on June 21, 2024. To learn more about Career Online High School, click here.
“Career Online High School provides adult learners in Richland County an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives, with the support of Richland Library’s caring and committed staff,” said Richland Library Executive Director Melanie Huggins. “We are grateful for PowerEd’s consistent commitment and partnership in our work to provide access to education resources for adult learners.”
In FY2024-25 Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this second quarter, Power:Ed has awarded six grants (including this grant to Richland Library) totaling $254,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2025.
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.
About Richland Library
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 13 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
