The Bridge 2 Home receives $40,000 grant from Power:Ed to support hiring an education coordinator
AIKEN, SC – November 26, 2025 — Aiken nonprofit, The Bridge 2 Home (TB2H), has been awarded a $40,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to hire an education coordinator to give in-person, individualized instruction, guidance, and support the academic journeys of the girls TB2H serves.
TB2H’s mission is to provide a safe and loving home for girls who have experienced child sex trafficking, where they can find healing and growth. Its two-year residential program houses six girls ages 12-17 referred by the SC Department of Social Services and Department of Juvenile Justice. This safehouse opened in July 2025, and for their safety, residents attend school in a dedicated space on the property. This has required TB2H to use an online program provided by the public school system. Online school is a challenging environment for any child, but particularly for this population. The trauma these children have suffered has a dramatic impact on their educational needs and deficits.
The Education Coordinator’s role is to deepen, enhance and personalize the girls' education. Adding the role is vital to the success of girls in developing the skills they will need to reenter the greater community. This staff person will help the residents develop their educational and life skill goals, setting monthly objectives. Responsibilities include:
–Supporting each resident with online work.
–Managing the classroom and supervising students during school hours.
–Teaching new academic concepts and/or tutoring.
–Participating in the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) when needed.
–Supervising tutors or outside educational resources.
–Monitoring progress.
–Supporting students as they learn time management.
–Identifying interns and volunteers to help support the residents during school hours.
–Organizing and supervising field trips.
While in 2024 SLED reported almost 400 minor victims of sex trafficking in the state, there are only 21 beds for healing these girls from trauma.
“We are so grateful for this grant and predict that the education coordinator will help propel the girls in their academic success. When they start experiencing success in this part of their lives, self-esteem will be created in them,” said The Bridge 2 Home Executive Director Dominique J. Bunton.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan believe education is transformative and has the power to change lives for the good. We are proud to support the vital work of The Bridge 2 Home and hope the addition of this new team member will be a guiding force for these young survivors in achieving their dreams,” 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 second fiscal quarter, Power:Ed awarded five grants, including this grant to TB2H, totaling $264,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2026.
About The Bridge 2 Home
The mission of The Bridge 2 Home is to provide a safe and loving home for girls who have experienced child sex trafficking, where they can find healing and growth. Our vision is to have a place where children can be protected and safely exit trafficking. It is important that all levels of the organization are trauma-informed and victim centered. Our vision is to see trafficked victims become survivors and leaders. Visit https://thebridge2home.com/ for more information.
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.