For Immediate Release
Clarendon County School District
September 2, 2026
Bravo Foundation’s Commitment Fuels Educational Innovations in Clarendon County School District by securing $30,000 grant opportunity
CCSD Students to Benefit from Power:Ed Grant Awarded to the Bravo Foundation
Clarendon County, SC – The Clarendon County School District and Clarendon County Adult Education are excited to announce that, through the dedicated efforts of the Bravo Foundation, they will receive significant funding to enhance educational opportunities in the community. The grant from Power:Ed, a philanthropy of the SC Student Loan Corporation, will support innovative programs aimed at workforce readiness.
This funding will support the Empowering Clarendon program, which integrates Transfr Virtual Reality (VR) technology into the Adult Ed Center's Career Hub and middle school Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) curricula. The initiative is designed to provide hands-on career simulations, interest assessments, and foundational technical skill development for both adult learners and youth.
"Our aim is for middle school and adult learners to explore their interests, enabling them to identify not only what they want to pursue but also what they wish to avoid. This approach helps in minimizing unnecessary costs and lost time, ensuring a more focused and effective learning experience. Dr. Keisa Carr, Executive Director of Communications, Safety, and Workforce (CTE), noted, 'We deeply appreciate the Bravo Foundation's unwavering dedication and support. This generous funding will empower us to enhance our Career and Technical Education initiatives and offerings, equipping our students for the workforce and providing them with invaluable hands-on experiences that will significantly boost their readiness.'"
“The goal for Empowering Clarendon is clear: create an innovative, scalable solution to local career readiness challenges. This grant from Power:Ed allows us to turn that vision into reality. Integrating Transfr's Trek platform into the Adult Education Center and Scott’s Branch Middle School’s established GCDF curriculum creates a seamless pipeline from education to employment. Bravo is thrilled to partner with these two schools and Transfr to launch this pilot program and looks forward to the lasting economic impact it will bring to the Clarendon community,” said BRAVO’s Founder and President Maureen Calvo.
The pilot will begin at Clarendon County Adult Education, where they will receive two (2) Transfer VR sets, and at Scott’s Branch Middle/High School, where they will receive six (6) Transfer VR sets. Middle school students and adult learners will have the opportunity to see first-hand how VR technology can increase exposure needed to reinforce 21st-century learning and skills.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Scott’s Branch Middle/High School, two of Mrs. Carolyn Dingle's Career Exploration students had the chance to test out the Transfr VR sets firsthand and were amused by their experience. "I am excited to see the engagement that will take place in my classroom with this technology. This adds to the learning experience that they get each day in my class and puts them a step ahead," stated Mrs. Dingle.
“SC Student Loan and Power:Ed are proud to support Empowering Clarendon and are excited by the transformative impact this program can have. If you see it, you can be it! All South Carolinians should have the opportunity to succeed, and we want to do our part to help reduce barriers and help folks thrive in school, work, and in life,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
Through this collaboration, students in Clarendon County will gain the tools necessary for successful transitions into various career paths, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the demands of modern employment.
About Clarendon County School District CTE and Career Exploration Program
The Clarendon County School District's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has significantly increased the certifications and durable skills offered to high school students while also enhancing career exploration for students in grades K-8. This early exposure not only equips students with essential skills but also informs future course offerings to ensure that the district meets the evolving needs of every student, paving the way for productive future citizens. Visit Clarendon County School District www.ClarendonCSD.org.
About BRAVO Education Foundation of Clarendon County
Founded in 2023, BRAVO is dedicated to empowering a historically underserved rural community. Its mission focuses on promoting equitable, high-impact educational initiatives and enhanced learning opportunities that address the needs of the “whole” child, thereby strengthening the county’s classroom-to-career pipeline. Since its inception, over 20 teachers across 10 schools in Clarendon have received funding through BRAVO's signature Teacher Innovative and Service-Learning Grant program. For more information about the grant winners and details on application processes, visit [BRAVO Education Foundation](https://www.bravoedfoundationofccsc.com).
About Power:Ed
Established in 2019, Power:Ed is the philanthropy of the SC Student Loan Corporation, dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults. Power:Ed supports low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students by improving access to college and degree completion and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Nonprofit organizations serving students from middle school through post-college interested in grants or partnerships with Power:Ed can visit [Power:Ed](https://www.power-ed.org).
For further information regarding the grant and its positive impact on our community, please contact:
Media Contacts:
Clarendon County School District: Dr. Keisa Carr, keisa.carr@clarendoncsd.org
BRAVO Education Foundation of Clarendon Co. — Maureen Calvo, bravoedofccsc@gmail.com
Power:Ed — Claire Gibbons, 803.612.5050, claire.gibbons@power-ed.org
Photos can be found HERE.
The Printable version can be found HERE.
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