Columbia College Awarded Grant Funding to Expand Access to Teacher Education Programs in Rural South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. — December 9, 2024 – Columbia College is proud to announce a $100,000 two-year grant award from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support Columbia College’s groundbreaking initiative, Pre-Service Access to Support and Success. This innovative program seeks to tackle South Carolina’s teacher shortage by increasing the accessibility and affordability of quality teacher education programs, with a focus on instructional assistants and aspiring educators from underrepresented backgrounds.
The grant will support Columbia College's mission to:
- Reduce Degree Completion Costs: By eliminating financial barriers, the program will make teacher education more affordable, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for future teachers.
- Enhance Access for Rural Communities: The initiative focuses on recruiting from technical schools across the state, especially in 16 rural and one urban county. This effort ensures that individuals who have previously faced geographical or financial barriers can now pursue teacher certification.
- Address Racial Disparities: Recognizing the challenges people of color face with high-stakes testing, the project will provide targeted support for Praxis Core, Praxis II, and PLT exams. The comprehensive preparation model includes synchronous and asynchronous courses, workshops, and one-on-one guidance.
“Teacher shortages and educational disparities are critical challenges in our state,” said Tracy West, Dean of the Division of Education at Columbia College. “This funding will help us build a more diverse and well-prepared teaching workforce, directly benefiting South Carolina’s students.”
Key Program Components Include:
- Financial Support: Funding covers test preparation and registration fees for 225 participants, removing a significant financial hurdle for prospective educators.
- $50,850 allocated for Praxis Core preparation and registration.
- $42,900 for licensure exam preparation and registration.
- $6,250 for need-based scholarships.
- Strong Partnerships: Columbia College has signed agreements with seven South Carolina technical schools to establish clear pathways for students transitioning from technical programs to teacher certification. These partnerships ensure that coursework transfers seamlessly, streamlining the path to becoming a certified teacher.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are excited to support this pilot program from Columbia College focused on helping build the teacher candidate pipeline from across SC’s rural communities,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons. “This program fulfills a critical gap and strengthens rural economies. We are hopeful it will be transformative for many students and families.”
This initiative not only addresses the immediate teacher shortage but also promotes social mobility by opening doors to individuals who previously saw teaching as an unattainable goal. By increasing the diversity of South Carolina’s teaching workforce, Columbia College aims to create a more inclusive and representative educational environment.
For more information about the Pre-Service Access to Support and Success Initiative, please contact Emily Wilson at 803.786.3679.
In FY2024-25, Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this second quarter, Power:Ed has awarded six grants (including this two-year grant to Columbia College) totaling $254,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2025.
About Columbia College
Founded in 1854, Columbia College educates women and men to build successful careers and live lives of impact. The College’s liberal arts foundation ensures that students learn to think critically, develop their curiosity, and nurture a love for learning. With a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Columbia College students benefit from individualized support, engaged instruction, and personal mentorship. With more than 30 undergraduate programs and eight graduate programs, students can discover and pursue their passion and purpose.
About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC 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.