Upstate Institute of Youth Programs receives $40,000 grant from Power:Ed to support its STEM Success & Career Readiness Program for high school students in Oconee County
SENECA, SC – October 9, 2025 — Upstate Institute of Youth Programs (UIYP), has been awarded a $40,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support 45 first-generation and low-income high school students in Oconee County by offering academic support, college and career exploration, laptops, a STEM expo, and more. This is the second time Power:Ed has funded this initiative, as the previous grant was awarded in 2022.
At that time, the Upstate Institute of Youth Programs STEM Discovery and Career Explorational Project produced the platform for students to focus on their academics with the use of a Homework Center and computer lab in which students had access to complete homework assignments, work on class projects and communicate with teachers outside of class.
Students also used the lab for exploring career fields that aligned with their interest in areas that required a certification or special training.
“On behalf of Upstate Institute of Youth Programs, Inc., we thank Power:Ed for funding our STEM Success & Career Readiness Project. This support allows us to expand our services, strengthen community partnerships, and help students explore STEM fields and career pathways,” said UIYP Executive Director Thwanda L. Davidson, Ed.D.
UIYP’s STEM Success & Career Readiness Project will increase students’ knowledge in STEM fields and expose them to various career options that may be a good fit for them. The project proposes to serve students enrolled in grades 9 – 12, who meet the project eligibility criteria.
UIYP has established relationships and partnerships with Clemson University through the Women in Science & Engineering Program (WISE), the Mechanical Engineering Department, Bon Secours, and others. These existing partnerships have been strengthened over the years because of individual comittments to serve as teachers, tutors, mentors, chaperones and volunteers during the academic year and summer months.
“Supporting great organizations in rural and underserved communities across SC is at the heart of what we do. UIYP is working to address systemic barriers to higher education attainment, build a pipeline of skilled talent, and boost economic mobility in the community it serves, and we at Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are so excited about the transformative impact UIYP continues to have,” 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 UIYP, totaling $211,500. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2026.
About UIYP
Upstate Institute of Youth Programs, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established on July 13, 2006, in Seneca, South Carolina. For nineteen years, volunteers and community leaders have provided academic support, career guidance, and pre-college services to students in the School District of Oconee County, and shared their experiences and expertise to benefit students and break down barriers. The organization strives to support initiatives to help individuals overcome obstacles that may hinder their ability to become positive contributors to society.
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.