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Dennis Hahn, HGTC Mechatronics Student; Persistence Fund recipient
Wade Kelly, HGTC Mechatronics Student; Persistence Fund recipient
Two Mechatronics students at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) are one step closer to completing their degrees thanks to support from the Persistence Fund, an initiative of South Carolina Student Loan Corporation (SCSLC) and its philanthropy, Power:Ed. Through the program, HGTC students Wade Kelly and Dennis Hahn, both U.S. military veterans, received a full set of tools needed for their hands-on training at no cost.
“Having my own set of tools has made a huge difference,” Hahn said. “It’s allowed me to focus on learning rather than worrying about how to afford everything I need to succeed. My own set of tools also means I can practice outside of the classroom, giving me more opportunities to stand out to future employers.”
Hahn and classmate Wade Kelly are studying Mechatronics at HGTC’s Georgetown Center for Advanced Manufacturing, where state-of-the-art equipment prepares students for high-demand careers in robotics and automation.
“South Carolina Student Loan’s Persistence Fund removes real barriers for students who are working hard to complete their education,” said Shannon Detzler, president and CEO of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Foundation. “For our veteran students like Wade and Dennis, this support ensures they can focus on developing the skills that will serve them—and our state’s workforce—for years to come.”
SCSLC created the Persistence Fund to help South Carolina college students overcome nontraditional financial barriers that can derail their education, such as childcare, transportation, or program-related expenses like tools and uniforms. Launched in January 2025, each of the state’s 56 public and private nonprofit colleges and universities were eligible to receive $5,000 from SCSLC to support student persistence and completion. Thirty colleges participated in the program launch. The Persistence Fund continues for the 2025-26 academic year with 40 South Carolina colleges each receiving $7,500 to benefit students in need.
“Our goal is to help students persist to graduation,” said Claire Gibbons, executive director of Power:Ed. “For students like Wade and Dennis, removing these extra costs means they can fully engage in their education and take the next step toward their future careers.”
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SCSLC, is dedicated to improving educational access and success for South Carolinians. As a nonprofit organization, SCSLC uses surplus earnings to give back to students and families of South Carolina. The Persistence Fund is one of several philanthropic initiatives aimed at helping students stay enrolled and complete their degrees.