Morris College receives $75,000 grant to launch four-year career preparation model for its students
SUMTER, SC – September 30, 2026 – Morris College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from SC Student Loan Corporation through its philanthropic arm, Power:Ed, to launch Morris College’s career readiness program offering a structured career pathway to students during all four years through graduation. The College has developed a four-year career preparation model that treats career readiness as an ongoing process rather than a single event.
Morris College’s students are motivated and capable, yet many must work while attending college, support their families, and navigate higher education without family or professional connections. As a result, unpaid internships, meaningful work experiences, and professional development are often unattainable. This grant bridges those gaps funding vibrant career readiness workshops, internship stipends, financial literacy education, valuable mentorship opportunities, and strong employer engagement.
Morris College has ambitious program goals: 1) engaging over 400 students in career readiness programs. 2) supporting 40 students with internship stipends. 3) ensuring all participants complete financial capability training. 4) helping 70% of graduating seniors secure jobs or graduate school placements within six months.
“Power:Ed’s investment helps us build capacity, create opportunity, and move Morris forward. By strengthening development and career services, this partnership creates a pathway from institutional capacity to student success and economic mobility. This is the Morris Movement in action—building a stronger institution so our students can go further,” said Morris College’s President Dr. Said Sewell.
Grants like this one assist students in a variety of ways and prepare them for many years to come. Many students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities face systemic wealth gaps and have concentrated financial needs; therefore, grant funding allows them to alleviate debt and overcome monetary constraints.
“SC Student Loan and Power:Ed are proud to support Morris College and its goals to build capable and ready workforce leaders for South Carolina,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
In FY2026-27 Power:Ed will award $1,425,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness nonprofit organizations. In this first quarter, Power:Ed has funded nine grants (including this Morris College grant) totaling $527,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is October 1, 2026.
About Morris College
Morris College in Sumter, SC, is a national leader in higher education for traditional and non-traditional students who seek meaningful careers that enhance their lives and the communities in which they live. Morris does this by developing their academic, career, leadership, and service potential. Visit www.morris.edu for more information.
About SC Student Loan Corporation
Since 1973, South Carolina Student Loan® has helped make education more accessible to South Carolina residents and students attending schools in the state by offering financial support to help cover the cost of tuition, books, housing, meals, and other educational expenses. As a nonprofit, South Carolina Student Loan® is invested in the outcomes of its borrowers and the workforce in South Carolina, which is evident in innovative programs like BOLD™ Career Pathways that connect students with statewide employers who help cover education costs and provide those students with jobs. Learn more at scstudentloan.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. Nonprofit organizations serving middle school through post-college talent interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed, should visit power-ed.org.