$50,000 Grant Boosts STEM Education Access Across South Carolina

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from Power:Ed, the charitable arm of the SC Student Loan Corporation. This funding is specifically designated to enhance the accessibility of STEM education programs throughout the state, particularly for underserved students.

This award continues Power:Ed’s mission to improve education and workforce preparedness across South Carolina. The grant will be divided equally between two of GSSM’s core outreach initiatives: the year-round STEM Days and the GoSciTech Summer Camps. Both programs are designed to provide high-quality STEM experiences, making them more attainable for students who might otherwise face financial barriers. In the past academic year (2024-25), over 10,000 students and teachers reportedly benefited from these programs.

GoSciTech Summer Camps are offered as day camps at all 16 technical institutions across South Carolina, with a residential camp option also available at GSSM’s Hartsville campus. Virtual camp alternatives ensure participation from students statewide. These camps cater to students entering 6th through 10th grades and cover a diverse range of topics, from robotics to environmental engineering, providing hands-on learning that extends beyond typical classroom settings.

STEM Days bring engaging science and engineering activities directly to elementary and middle school students. These programs, held both at GSSM’s campus and in schools throughout South Carolina, emphasize inquiry-based learning and real-world application. Curriculum experts lead sessions in subjects like chemistry, electronics, and physics, encouraging collaborative projects and deeper subject exploration.

The grant to the GSSM Foundation was one of five totaling $212,000 awarded by Power:Ed last quarter. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, Power:Ed has distributed over $1 million in grants to 22 organizations dedicated to preparing South Carolinians for academic and career success.