Seventeen LaunchGVL participants were presented with scholarships at the LaunchGVL End-of-Year Celebration on April 29th at Spare Time Greenville.

LaunchGVL is a partnership between the Greenville Chamber and Greenville County Schools to provide paid internship opportunities to Greenville County Schools Juniors and Seniors in high-demand occupations. During the 2023/2024 school year, 149 students were employed by 47 different companies. The 50% increase in participation by students over the previous year set a program record for engagement.

The Greenville Chamber Foundation presented five students with $1,000 scholarships each. Students in attendance at the ceremony were randomly selected through a live drawing for the scholarships. Scholarships were presented to Piper Dennis, Maria Esmeralda Hernandez, Braden Freeman, Von McLaughlin and Noah Powell. Jake Ware also received a $200 scholarship for use towards books.

USC Upstate surprised 11 LaunchGVL participants by presenting scholarships, with 7 students receiving partial scholarships and 4 students receiving full-tuition scholarships. Leidy Araujo, Ruth Soto, Apolonia Tomas Gasper, Ciara Wakefield, and Dorrell Howard received $2,200 scholarships. Brookelynn Little and Aliya Wells received $2,000 scholarships. Laruen Johnson, Megan Morton, Naja Byrd, and Chloe Wood received full tuition scholarships.

“Awarding scholarships is a strategic investment in developing our region’s future leaders,” said Cheryl Garrison, Greenville Chamber Foundation Executive Director and Director of Talent and Leadership. “We congratulate all students who completed LaunchGVL internships this year and thank our many community and employer partners who make this program possible.”

Three organizations were also recognized during the ceremony for their dedication and commitment to LaunchGVL throughout the program’s five years. The Outstanding Community Partner award was presented to Goodwill Industries of the Upstate. The Outstanding Small Business Award was presented to Good Sense Automation. The Outstanding Large Business Award was presented to Dodge Industrial. Each of these companies have hired interns and supported the program in various capacities every year since the program’s inception.

LaunchGVL is entering its sixth year. Since inception, more than 500 students have participated in LaunchGVL’s work-based learning experiences. The program actively shrinks the skill gaps in the Upstate and strengthens the workforce by preparing students and filling the talent pipeline. Learn more at launchgvl.org.