Central Midlands Development Corporation awarded $25,000 grant from Power:Ed to support workforce development
COLUMBIA, SC – September 16, 2025 — CMDC, the foundation arm of the Central Midlands Council of Governments, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to enhance workforce services, with a special focus on supporting returning citizens and addressing technology needs within workforce programs.
To effectively serve returning citizens, it is essential to create inclusive pathways that ensure access to education, training, and meaningful employment. By aligning services with employer engagement and skills development, workforce systems empower returning citizens to overcome reentry barriers, achieve economic stability, and contribute positively to their communities. Integrating advanced technology into workforce development and promoting digital literacy increases accessibility, efficiency, and impact. These improvements streamline service delivery, expand virtual training and career exploration opportunities, improve data-driven decision-making, and equip both jobseekers and employers with innovative tools to meet the demands of an evolving labor market.
“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which strengthens our ability to support returning citizens with the services they need to successfully reenter the workforce. By also addressing critical technology needs, this investment helps bridge gaps, expand opportunities, and empower individuals to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities,” said CMDC President, Britt Poole.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support Central Midlands Development Corporation and its work to assist second chance participants and Justice-affected individuals with the skills and certifications necessary to secure high paying jobs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and welding,” 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 Central Midlands Development Corporation
Central Midlands Development Corporation fosters economic development and social welfare in Central Midlands, Columbia, SC. It has supported the Midlands community with investments in the local food system, arts community, small business development, and data collection to enhance the community.
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.