Horizons Receives $25k to Fund Summer Program for Under-Resourced Girls in Charleston

For a second year, Horizons at Ashley Hall (Horizons), received a $25,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support programming at its middle and high school summer academic and enrichment program. This six-week summer program takes place on the campus of Ashley Hall in downtown Charleston, and focuses on Mathematics, STEM, literacy, social-emotional learning, the arts, and swimming. Power:Ed previously awarded $25,000 to Horizons in February 2025.

All Horizons students qualify for free/reduced lunch or other federal assistance. The Horizons program exists to address the opportunity gaps that students in under-resourced communities of the greater Charleston area experience. Power:Ed funding will support essential needs for 6th-10th grade students focusing on high school readiness and career exploration.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Power:Ed grant again this year, allowing Horizons to continue providing meaningful summer opportunities for middle school students while also expanding into an exciting new high school program. This generous support empowers us to offer enriching academic experiences, mentorship, and resources that help young girls across the Charleston region learn, grow, and thrive both in and beyond the classroom,” said Horizons Executive Director Molly Rathbone, M.Ed.

“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support Horizons for a second summer. This program lives up to its name by expanding girls’ horizons and affirming the idea that if you can see it, you can be it. Every young person in South Carolina deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial circumstances, and we are proud to do our part to reduce barriers and advance educational equity,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

In FY 2025-26 Power:Ed has awarded $1,325,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations including this Horizons grant. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is July 1, 2026.