AIM receives $35,000 grant from Power:Ed to support the Employment Pathways workforce development program in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens
ANDERSON, SC – September 30, 2025 — Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support AIM’s Employment Pathways Program, which connects SNAP recipients with resources and education to obtain full-time, sustainable employment.
Participants work with a career coach to evaluate employment needs and develop a plan of action to include work readiness training, career counseling, certification opportunities, and job search assistance. Participants will enroll in either the Work Readiness Route or Certification Route. In addition to covering a portion of staff salary, the grant funds support services such as certification tuition, books, uniforms, testing fees, childcare, gas, rent, and utility assistance for those in need.
“We are so excited to receive this funding from Power:Ed! We plan to use these funds to leverage the SNAP Employment and Training contract we hold with DSS. This funding allows us to provide the supportive services that many individuals need to take advantage of training opportunities that lead to higher paying jobs. This funding allows us to remove barriers that prevent many under resourced individuals from receiving the workforce training needed to secure a job that pays a livable wage. Thank you, Power:Ed, for your investment in our work that allows AIM to “Give Hope and Change Lives”."
Employment Pathways was originally a program developed and administered by AIM in partnership with the SC Department of Social Services (DSS) from 2014- 2017 to provide case management and supportive services for students earning professional certificates at Tri-County (TCTC). The students had to be receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistant (SNAP) to be eligible for the program, proving their LMI status. In 2022, the partnership between AIM and DSS was reestablished, allowing AIM to continue its support of middle-skilled job certifications for low-income individuals. AIM believes that by providing certifications for our clients, they will be granted a greater opportunity to find job stability. In gaining education, clients have the potential for higher wages and access to careers that pay more.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support AIM and its work to remove barriers for low-to-moderate income individuals who cannot afford skills training and education. All South Carolinians should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their circumstances, and we want to do our part to help folks thrive in school, work, and in life,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
Power:Ed plans to award $1,325,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations in FY2025-26. In this first fiscal quarter, Power:Ed awarded five grants, including this grant to CMDC, totaling $211,500. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is October 1, 2025.
About AIM
AIM is a 35-year-old organization that operates on a continuum of services from basic needs stabilization to asset building programs that move families to prosperity. Our mission is to connect people with support, resources, and education so that they can empower themselves to be self- sufficient. Our goal is to meet people where there are and to walk with them on their journey toward independence, helping them develop the skills and obtain the education that leads to a fulfilling and prosperous life. For more information, please visit our website www.aimcharity.org.
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, underrepresented, 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.