COLUMBIA, S.C. – August 23, 2023 – S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $25,000 grant from Power:Ed to foster increased participation in the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program by students attending SCICU’s five member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) — Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College, and Voorhees University.
Increasing HBCU participation in the research program provides quality research opportunities to minority students that enriches their college experience and provides valuable training in the areas of science, math, humanities, public speaking, and teamwork. This is the second year Power:Ed, a philanthropy of S.C. Student Loan Corporation, has supported this program.
Created in 1995, SCICU’s Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program provides substantial grant-funded research opportunities to undergraduates attending SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities. The program presents students with professional research development opportunities – from submitting proposals for competitive funding review to presenting final project findings at the annual research symposium. The program has been used as a model for other state associations to develop undergraduate research programs.
“A society’s well-being depends on supporting and encouraging its finest minds. SCICU deeply thanks the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation for its support of students at SCICU member HBCUs participating in our Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “This Power:Ed grant will inspire students at SCICU member HBCUs to pursue excellence in their fields of study and become our next generation’s great leaders and thinkers.”
“Research and innovation are key to building a globally competitive economy and workforce in South Carolina. We are pleased to sustain this research grant for $5,000 to each of the five HBCUs within the SCICU network for a second year, and look forward to what these students will accomplish,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
In its fiscal year 2022-23, Power:Ed awarded 23 grants totaling $900,000 to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations, including SCICU. This year Power:Ed will commit $1 million in grant funding. Grants are reviewed and awarded quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is October 1, 2023.
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, a philanthropy of S.C. Student Loan Corporation, is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, minority, 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.
About SCICU
SCICU supports and promotes the values of independent higher education in South Carolina through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspirations, and approach to learning. SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities educate and inspire more than 36,000 students throughout South Carolina. Learn more at scicu.org.
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