Williamsburg Technical College Receives $56,500 Grant from Power:Ed to Create an Advanced Workforce Training Center
KINGSTREE, SC – September 11, 2025 – Williamsburg Technical College (WTC) has been awarded a $56,500 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to sustain and expand its College and Career Navigator (CCN) program. This funding will provide individualized support for adult learners as they transition into postsecondary education or the workforce, serving approximately 400 students over the next year.
The mission of Williamsburg Technical College is to offer quality, affordable, and accessible educational opportunities and experiences that enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve their goals and to encourage economic development in Williamsburg County. The Bridging Knowledge and Talent project seeks to close the gap between classroom learning and real-world application by equipping students with the skills demanded by today’s industries. Funding received will be used to prepare the designated spaces in the library and industrial area as functional training areas. The new lab will introduce emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), robotics, 3D printing, and workforce simulation software that provide immersive, practical training experiences. Students will graduate not only with knowledge but also with job-ready competencies directly aligned with employer needs. Additionally, we will stock a diverse range of materials—such as filaments, wood, and circuit components—to support a wide array of projects. This equipment will not only enable students to gain hands on training but also allow them to bring their innovative ideas to life.
To maximize the impact of the project, a portion of the funding will be used to develop curriculum as well as allocated to a series of training programs and workshops. These will include introductory sessions on operating machinery, advanced courses on specific technologies, and project-based learning opportunities. Participants will learn to operate equipment, demonstrate competencies, and earn a workforce certificate, providing them with both additional employability skills and a competitive edge in the job market. The lab will feature a wide array of state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced computers, Apple technology, VR simulators, robotics kits, 3D printers, an industrial simulator, and specialized healthcare training tools. Our goal is to ensure that users of all skill levels feel confident and inspired as they engage with the tools and resources available. Funding will also be used to foster a vibrant community hub, bringing together students, educators, and professionals. We will establish partnerships with local schools and organizations to integrate the workspace into educational curricula and community initiatives like hosting networking events for potential employers to meet with students. The proposed project aims to improve education and help students succeed in their careers by providing access to innovative workforce technology training that can significantly enhance education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
“I am excited about the impact that the funding from the Power:Ed grant will have on our students and community. We have discussed ways to incorporate soft job skills along with the innovative workforce technology we will be able to acquire. One of the biggest things we are ambitious about is giving our students an edge in technology and employability to support the great programs that WTC currently offers,” says Dr. Brandolyn Love, Library Director Williamsburg Technical College.
“Supporting rural communities’ efforts to build a sustainable workforce pipeline is at the heart of our mission,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons. “We are proud to partner with Williamsburg Tech to create this center for technical training and hope it spurs additional economic development and opportunity in Kingstree.”
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 WTC, totaling $211,500. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is October 1, 2025.