SC Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant to Expand STEM Programs Across South Carolina

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (June 19, 2025) — The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation (GSSMF) has received a $50,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of the SC Student Loan Corporation. Funding will provide greater accessibility to students with financial need through scholarships, as well as expand the reach of two signature GSSM programs: GoSciTech Summer Camps and STEM Days.

This is the second grant awarded to the GSSM Foundation by Power:Ed, providing $25,000 to support GoSciTech Summer Camps and $25,000 for GSSM’s academic year STEM Days. The funding will increase access to high-quality STEM experiences for students across the Palmetto State by offering scholarships to those with financial need and supporting the expansion of both programs statewide.

“The partnership between GSSM and Power:Ed is truly transformative,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Thanks to Power:Ed's support, GSSM’s year-round STEM programs offer thousands of South Carolina middle and high school students hands-on, world-class learning experiences. In 2024–25, more than 10,000 students and teachers benefited from these programs. With this renewed support from Power:Ed, we look forward to expanding our impact even further.”

GoSciTech Summer Camps are offered as day camps at all 16 technical colleges across the state, with an additional residential camp held at GSSM’s Hartsville campus. These programs, along with virtual options, provide rising 6th through 10th graders hands-on experiences in topics like student piloted robots and the uses of engineering biology to restore the environment.

STEM Days are hands-on learning experiences designed for elementary and middle school students during the academic year. Hosted both on GSSM’s Hartsville campus and at schools across the state, these events bring exciting, inquiry-based STEM activities directly to students. GSSM curriculum specialists lead lessons in topics like engineering, chemistry, electronics, and physics, giving young learners a chance to explore real-world science through engaging projects and collaboration.

“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan Corporation are proud to continue supporting GSSM’s efforts to reach middle and high school students in rural and underserved communities,” said Claire Gibbons, executive director of Power:Ed. “These programs give students the chance to explore STEM, plan for college and careers, and connect with their local technical colleges. We’re thrilled to see these initiatives expanding to all 16 technical college campuses.”

In FY2024–25, Power:Ed awarded more than $1,000,000 in grants to 22 South Carolina organizations supporting education and career readiness. This quarter, Power:Ed awarded five grants, including this $50,000 award to GSSMF, totaling $212,000. The next grant application deadline is July 1, 2025.

Explore the many ways GSSM is bringing STEM to students across South Carolina by visiting www.scgssm.org/outreach-stem-opportunities.