ATI Foundation Awards $656,500 in Grants to Strengthen Education and Workforce Development
Over the past four months, the ATI Foundation has invested $656,500 in programs designed to remove barriers and unlock potential across our communities. These grants support initiatives that prepare students, job seekers, and community members for meaningful careers while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline.
Recent Grant Awards Include:
Tri-County STEMersion – “Tri-County STEMersion Institute 2026”
K–12 educators and counselors engage with local industries through tours, workplace experiences, and panels, gaining insights from leading employers in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) – “Asset Development Program (ADP)”
Assists participants in achieving savings goals, offering a 3:1 match for up to $1,000 to invest in business or education, empowering individuals to grow economically and professionally.James Island Outreach – “James Island Financial Resources Workshop Project”
Educates participants on community resources to stabilize households, helping individuals achieve financial stability and enter the workforce with confidence.Liberty STEAM Charter School – “Empowering Future Innovators through PLTW”
Expanding on the proven Project Lead The Way (PLTW) model to serve fifth-grade scholars. PLTW engages students, families, and educators in career exploration, creating early awareness of opportunities in industrial, engineering, health sciences, business, and early college pathways.Maritime Association of South Carolina – “MASC: Maritime & Logistics Youth Expo – The Future of Supply Chain”
A hands-on event introducing students to maritime and supply chain careers while connecting them with industry leaders, building a pipeline of future talent.Non-Ferrous Founders' Society – “Casting the Future: Collaborating to Mobilize Tomorrow's Industrial Workforce”
This national initiative addresses labor shortages in metal casting through digital storytelling, career exploration, and apprenticeship promotion, inspiring new talent and expanding access to training.SHIELD Ministries – “Re-entry Education for Workforce Advancement”
Provides Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), General Educational Development (GED) preparation, cognitive learning, work readiness, financial management classes, and apprenticeships to equip individuals with criminal history for employment and support local workforce needs.
Through these grants, the ATI Foundation continues to fuel education and workforce development, creating opportunities for individuals to realize their full potential while building stronger, more resilient communities.