Rural non-profit, Trent Hill Center receives $79,000 grant from Power:Ed to help youth aging out of foster care with independent living skills and building future pathways
HARTSVILLE, SC — December 16, 2025 — Trent Hill Center for Children & Families (Trent Hill Center), has been awarded a $79,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support its Independent Living Skills Program. This is the second year Power:Ed has awarded Trent Hill Center a grant to support this vital program. Trent Hill Center is creating a pathway to economic stability and success for marginalized youth and young adults in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
Using a skills-based curriculum, participants complete a workbook of tasks to gain the tools and support system needed to be prepared to live on their own and end the generational cycle of poverty and trauma. The program includes teaching basic living skills, interpersonal skills, and trade skills to either help youth enter the workforce or continue to higher education. The Program is the only of its kind in the Pee Dee region and is open to youth in foster care or are experiencing homelessness in any county in South Carolina.
“Power:Ed’s continued partnership has allowed us to strengthen and expand our Independent Living Program,” said Scottie Hill, Founder & Executive Director of Trent Hill Center. “This investment is giving young people vital support they need as they take steps toward adulthood: building financial skills, preparing for work, and gaining the confidence to live independently. We’re incredibly thankful for Power:Ed’s commitment to our mission.”
Each year, 250-350 youth age out of South Carolina’s foster care system, often ill-equipped to make a successful transition to adulthood because they have bounced between multiple foster care placements, rarely having the time or resources necessary for a successful transition. By the same age, 38% have not attained at least a GED or high school diploma. Trent Hill Center’s Independent Living Skills Program covers content and related goals in ten core subjects: auto maintenance, career readiness, citizenship, communication, educational exploration, financial literacy, health & well-being, household management, personal safety, and social-emotional skills. The Program Manager works with youth to develop a customized plan and partner with them as they set and accomplish goals like learning how to budget, changing a vehicle’s tire or oil, applying for a job, completing a school application, or setting up a medical appointment.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support Trent Hill Center and its work to give underserved and unhoused youth and young adults a strong foundation and a fresh start. All South Carolinians should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their circumstances, and we want to do our part to help reduce barriers and help them 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 second fiscal quarter, Power:Ed awarded five grants, including this grant to Trent Hill Center, totaling $264,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2026.
About Trent Hill Center for Children & Families
Trent Hill Center for Children & Families is a locally-founded non-profit organization providing 24/7 residential care for teens in foster care and homeless young adults. Through four key programs, the Center’s vision is for every child and family to be valued, encouraged and welcomed in their safe, stable communities. Programs prioritize thriving, healing, and community by offering safe, nurturing spaces in which the developmental, physical, social, emotional, educational, intellectual, and spiritual needs of youth and participants are met. Learn more at trenthillcenter.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.