HARTSVILLE, SC — October 9, 2024 — Trent Hill Center for Children & Families (Trent Hill Center), has been awarded a $59,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support its Independent Living Skills Program. Trent Hill Center is creating a pathway to economic stability and success for marginalized youth and young adults in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Using a skills-based curriculum, participants complete a workbook of tasks to gain the tools and support system needed to be prepared to live on their own and end the generational cycle of poverty and trauma. The program includes teaching basic living skills, interpersonal skills, and trade skills to either help youth enter the workforce or continue to higher education. The Program is the only of its kind in the Pee Dee region and is open to youth in foster care or are experiencing homelessness in any county in South Carolina.

“This support from Power:Ed will be transformative for our Independent Living Program,” said Scottie Hill, Founder & Executive Director of Trent Hill Center. “The funding will enable us to expand our program services, provide critical resources to our young adults, and empower more youth to gain the skills they need for self-sufficiency and success in life. We're deeply grateful for this partnership, and we're excited to see the lasting impact it will have on the lives of those we serve.”

Each year, 250-350 youth age out of South Carolina’s foster care system, often ill-equipped to make a successful transition to adulthood because they have bounced between multiple foster care placements, rarely having the time or resources necessary for a successful transition. By the same age, 38% have not attained at least a GED or high school diploma. Trent Hill Center’s Independent Living Skills Program covers content and related goals in ten core subjects: auto maintenance, career readiness, citizenship, communication, educational exploration, financial literacy, health & well-being, household management, personal safety, and social-emotional skills. The Program Manager works with youth to develop a customized plan and partner with them as they set and accomplish goals like learning how to budget, changing a vehicle’s tire or oil, applying for a job, completing a school application, or setting up a medical appointment.

“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support Trent Hill Center and its work to give underserved and unhoused youth a strong foundation and a fresh start. All South Carolina children should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their circumstances, and we want to do our part to help reduce barriers and help these youth thrive in school, work, and in life,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

In FY2024-25 Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this first quarter, Power:Ed has awarded six grants (including this grant to THC) totaling $264,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2025.