TalentRiseSC, a Greenville Chamber Foundation initiative focused on increasing access to career and education planning for adult learners, is expanding its work in the Upstate with a $888,500 two-year investment from the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation (SCSLC).

The funding, distributed by SCSLC’s philanthropy arm, Power:Ed, supports TalentRiseSC in its efforts to ensure that 60% of Greenville County adults aged 25-64 have high-quality, post-secondary certificate, credential, or degree tied to meaningful employment and economic mobility. This foundational funding helps expand TalentRiseSC’s resources in South Carolina’s Upstate.

Launched by The Greenville Chamber Foundation in 2023, TalentRiseSC serves adults in navigating barriers to education and career transitions by helping them understand their post-secondary options and develop a plan to obtain a certification, credential, or degree.

The organization provides neutral navigation to educational opportunities, offers free, personalized career and education pathway plans, provides hands-on assistance with school enrollment and the financial aid process, and helps individuals identify clear pathways to increase their salary potential and achieve their career goals.

“TalentRiseSC is about making sure more people across the Upstate have access to the support they need to take the next step in their career,” said Dr. Cheryl Garrison, Executive Director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation. “We thank the teams at SC Student Loan Corporation and Power:Ed for supporting this work. Their generous investment will provide more individuals the opportunity to build a stronger future for themselves, their families and our region.”

The $888,500 investment will help TalentRiseSC expand its reach throughout the Upstate and ensure more individuals, employers and community organizations understand the resources available to them. The investment will also support improvements to the systems and infrastructure that enable TalentRiseSC to provide personalized support at scale, as well as additional talent to help individuals navigate education, training, enrollment, and financial aid.

“SC Student Loan is proud to support TalentRiseSC. Boosting educational attainment for workers is critical to boosting their economic mobility and expanding their career opportunities,” said SCSLC President and CEO Trey Simon. “The quality, personalized coaching TalentRiseSC offers is essential to help more adults achieve the skills and education necessary to thrive personally and professionally, and our hope is the program will expand to serve communities across our state."

SCSLC’s donation was recognized during Greenville Chamber Night at the Greenville Drive on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The evening included a ceremonial big check presentation commemorating the two-year investment. Please find the photo of the event here.

TalentRiseSC is currently available at no cost to eligible participants. Individuals can learn more or schedule a consultation by visiting www.TalentRiseSC.org or calling 864-239-3704.