Converse Receives $50K Grant “Power” First-Generation Students

Written by Amanda Mathis

On a cold December morning, Converse students, faculty, and staff warmly celebrated in Wilson Hall. Gathered wearing their purple First-Gen t-shirts, students connected over coffee as they celebrated the expansion of their program with the recent award of $50,000 from Power:Ed, the philanthropy arm of SC Student Loan Corporation. 

“This donation will allow the First-Generation program to support our students in a more holistic way,” Said Kiarra Thomas, ’27, a sophomore studying biology. She selected Converse because she felt that the campus community wanted the students to succeed.

A first-generation student is the first in their family to graduate from a four-year institution. To encourage engagement within the college community. Converse’s First-Generation Program is celebrating its fourth year supporting a talented and promising group of students. 

“For the First-Generation program, our focus has traditionally been on first-year students and supporting them during their transition from high school to college,” said Daphnie Glenn, Director of First Generation Programs and Student Success Initiatives. “The funding from this grant will empower us to help juniors and seniors focus more intentionally on their careers with STEAM-related field activities, tutors, paid student internships, and career immersion experiences. Helping students learn about their chosen careers will prepare them for future success.”

Founded by a grant from Power:Ed during the 2021-2022 academic year, the First-Generation Program was then rebranded and structured into its current form. Since 2021, there have been 226 graduates from the program. The latest grant will enhance the student experience for 357 Converse students currently participating in the First-Generation Program. 

“Converse’s First-Generation program is a small-knit community,” said La’tavia Bracey-Ransom, ’26. “I feel at home here and like helping our younger First-Gen students as a mentor. Coming to school as a freshman, I learned a lot, and knowing that we can expand our reach and provide more opportunities to different careers is great.”

As part of Converse’s mission to educate and train a diverse student body, the university aims to foster a campus environment in which the academic promise of first-generation students and the collective vision for equal educational opportunity, regardless of socioeconomic class, can be realized. Converse supports its first-generation students academically and socially, from advising and registration to housing selection and professional opportunities.

“Converse encourages First-Generation students to build a path for themselves and prepare for the future,” said Child and Family Studies major Beuanna Tyler ’25. “This grant will help take our program to the next level.”

“Converse encourages First-Generation students to build a path for themselves and prepare for the future.”

Beuanna Tyler ’25

Currently, the program offers social events and learning opportunities throughout the academic year, including time management and “letters to yourself” workshops, which are popular among the students. This expansion will focus more on career readiness and is a welcome update.

“Converse University has built an incredible workforce development program supporting first-generation college students, and we are proud to help it grow over the next two years, enabling these students to boost their awareness and readiness for South Carolina career pathways,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, minority, and first-generation students, improving access to college and degree completion, and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this second quarter, Power:Ed has awarded six grants (including this grant to Converse University) totaling $254,000. 

“We are thrilled to have support from Power:Ed to create career experiences for our students,” said Rebecca Parrish, Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services, who leads institutional grant-seeking efforts at Converse. “This investment in workforce development enables us to align career paths with Upstate opportunities, highlight local industries of interest, and grow business partnerships for the institution.”