YWCA Greater Charleston, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and girls, is a first-time recipient of a $42,115 grant from Power:Ed, a philanthropy of SC Student Loan. Officials of the two organizations said the funds will be used to support growth of YWCA Greater Charleston’s Y Girls Code program, which financially empowers young women and girls—especially those of color—by preparing them for high-paying careers in technology. The officials say the goal is to create a pipeline of future engineers and technologically savvy women in South Carolina to increase the pool of eligible women needed to realize equity in the tech industry. They say breaking down barriers to STEM-related professions is vital for the economic advancement of women, especially women of color. Y Girls Code utilizes a proven curriculum from Girls Who Code, enabling participants to learn key coding concepts and develop projects that solve real-life problems in their own communities. “Y Girls Code has grown from one to four Charleston-area schools and three libraries in under six years,” said Power:Ed Director Claire Gibbons. “With these additional resources supporting full-time staff, Power:Ed is excited to see what YWCA Greater Charleston will do, and the potentially transformative impact they will have on the lives and career opportunities of these young women.” In the first quarter of FY2022-23, Power:Ed has awarded six grants to South Carolina education and career readiness nonprofits, including YWCA Greater Charleston, totaling nearly $219,000. Grants are administered quarterly and the deadline for the next round of grant funding is Oct. 1, 2022. |