Original Six Foundation awarded $50,000 Power:Ed grant

Columbia, SC – February 11, 2026— The Original Six Foundation (O6), has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support and expand O6 Afterschool enrichment, STEAM development, and career discovery programs for over 400 middle school students in Allendale, Bamberg, Clarendon, Florence, Marion and Union Counties.

“We’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact of introducing middle school students to career opportunities available in our state through hands-on, site exploration and college and career campus visits,” said Kara Gormley Meador, Executive Director of the Original Six Foundation. “While many career development programs focus on high school students, we’ve learned that reaching children earlier—sparking their passions and giving them something to dream about—is critical. Without those early connections, too many of the students we serve may never make it to high school.”

O6 Afterschool improves education by offering public school students enrolled in the program the opportunity to receive individualized homework assistance from certified teachers with an emphasis placed on interactive learning- particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math. In addition, O6 Afterschool broadens students’ awareness of attainable career pathways while intentionally providing opportunities to visit South Carolina colleges and technical school campuses—helping students envision futures they may not have previously considered.

“Original Six is working to boost education equity, introduce rural middle school students to career and higher education pathways, and start them on the journey to achieve greater economic opportunities for themselves and their families. Power:Ed and SC Student Loan Corp. are so pleased to support this expanding program for a second time,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

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In FY 2025-26 Power:Ed will award $1,300,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this third quarter, Power:Ed has awarded seven grants (including this O6 grant) totaling $270,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is April 1, 2026.

About O6

Founded in 2011 by then South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the Original Six (O6) Foundation believes children across the Palmetto State deserve a quality education regardless of where they are born and raised. The Original Six Foundation works to improve education for public school students in rural and underserved communities by identifying gaps and filling them through afterschool and early literacy programs. For more information about the O6 visit originalsixfoundation.org.

About Power:Ed

Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, underserved, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Nonprofit 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. 

Photo caption Front Row (L to R): Michael Haley, Chairman of the Board of the Original Six Foundation, and Founder Nikki Haley, former Governor of South Carolina, SCSLC Marketing Dir Destra Capers, Power:Ed Executive Dir Claire Gibbons, SCSLC President & CEO Trey Simon

Back Row (L to R):  Original Six Program Coordinator Angelica Tyler, Original Six Executive Dir Kara Gormley Meador, Original Six Program Dir, Nick Washington