Palmetto Citizens Foundation awards $50K in teacher grants

The Palmetto Citizens Foundation has awarded $50,000 to 57 teachers across 12 school districts and charter systems in South Carolina and Georgia through its inaugural Teacher Grant Program.

The program received more than 1,350 applications from educators seeking support for classroom supplies, educational resources and innovative learning experiences. Individual grant awards varied, with teachers receiving up to $1,000 to support their classroom projects.

Grant recipients represent a wide range of schools and communities, from elementary schools in rural areas to middle and high schools in larger districts, reflecting the foundation's commitment to supporting education across both states. Of the 57 grant recipients, 41 (nearly 72%) teach at Title I schools.

"Palmetto Citizens was founded by teachers, so supporting educators has always been part of who we are," said Emilie Lewis, executive director of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation. "The incredible response to this program shows just how many teachers are going above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences for their students. We're proud to help turn their ideas into reality and continue a legacy that began 90 years ago."

The grants will fund a variety of projects designed to make learning more engaging, accessible and hands-on. Examples of funded projects include:

• Building a music classroom: Brooke Tolbert at Little Mountain Elementary School in Little Mountain, S.C., received $1,000 for music curriculum resources, musical picture books and interactive activities. The project will introduce about 382 students to rhythm, movement and musical expression, helping them develop an appreciation for music.
• Inspiring young entrepreneurs: Erica McCord at E.L. Wright Middle School in Columbia, S.C., received $1,000 for entrepreneurship guidebooks to support the school's Young Entrepreneurs Club. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own business ideas while learning about budgeting, pricing and financial responsibility.
• Making science come alive: Samantha Garrett at Frances Mack Intermediate School in Lexington School District Four received $1,000 to create a living STEM laboratory featuring a classroom bearded dragon. Roughly 50 students will study ecosystems, track the animal's growth and monitor habitat conditions while developing teamwork and responsibility skills.
• Building confidence in math: Shanika Thornton at Freedom Park K-8 in Richmond County, Ga., received a grant to purchase math manipulatives, dry-erase boards, headphones and other instructional supplies. The resources will help 140 fifth-grade students strengthen foundational math skills through hands-on activities, small-group instruction and personalized practice.

Following the success of its inaugural grant cycle, the foundation will begin accepting applications for its winter Teacher Grant Program on Dec. 1. Eligible teachers can apply for up to $1,000 for classroom supplies and materials that support student learning. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31.

For more information, visit https://palmettocitizensfoundation.org/teacher-grant-program/ or email info@palmettocitizensfoundation.org.