The AnMed Foundation has been awarded a $52,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy arm of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support the Upstate’s Pre-Med Bootcamp program.
Twenty-four college upperclassmen from across South Carolina recently experienced medical school for two weeks at the bootcamp, offered annually and jointly by the MUSC AnMed Clinical Campus, Anderson University, AnMed and Upstate AHEC. The experience helps confirm career choices before students invest up to another eight years in training, possibly incurring debt.
Funding has increased access for low-income students by providing stipends to make up for lost wages and to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel.
Students who complete the program receive ongoing career guidance and assistance paying for application costs, such as for the MCAT.
Participants in this year’s bootcamp recently engaged with Anderson University faculty at the Center for Medical Simulations and accessed the university’s cadaver lab to observe and learn.
The students are from nine colleges and universities in the state. A unique feature of the bootcamp is the participation of veteran physicians, current medical students and a dozen program alumni who encourage pre-med majors to explore opportunities.
Nationally, only 16% of freshmen pre-med students go on to apply for medical school, and less than half of those are selected. Annual tuition for in-state students is more than $30,000. First-generation students, underrepresented populations and students from rural high schools are less likely to become physicians. The bootcamp gave students exposure to a teaching hospital and networking introductions.
“We are so grateful for this grant from Power: Ed to connect with and support the future doctors of our state as they navigate the application process to medical school,” said Dr. Renee Monaghan, associate dean for the MUSC AnMed Clinical Campus. “Expanding medical education opportunities is an important part of AnMed’s strategy to address the growing shortage of primary care physicians and specialists in our area and to improve future access to care. The Pre-Med Bootcamp is very much aligned with this strategy, making the partnership a natural fit.”
Camp co-founder Dr. Carrie Koenigstein, Anderson University associate dean of the natural sciences, said plans include having a week of career exploration for freshmen and sophomores, to keep talented students from falling through the cracks. Some might realize they do not want to be physicians, so the partners can connect those students to alternate paths such as dental, physician assistant, pharmacy or physical therapy schools.
The grant spurred Anderson University to identify nearby college pre-med advisors and invite them to form a group. Upstate AHEC will ensure advisors have up-to-date information on scholarships, fee waivers and resources.
“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support this innovative program to help diversify and strengthen the Upstate’s medical talent pipeline. We hope it will become a model that can be replicated by other partner institutions across South Carolina,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
In FY 2024-25 Power:Ed has awarded $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations. In this fourth quarter, Power:Ed has awarded five grants (including this grant to AnMed) totaling $212,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is July 1, 2025.
About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan, is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed, should visit power-ed.org.
About AnMed Foundation
AnMed Foundation helps ensure that the people served by AnMed have access to quality health and medical services. Its mission is to inspire generous charitable giving that strengthens and sustains exceptional health care throughout the area. Guided by core values of compassion, innovation, integrity, accountability and collaboration, AnMed has been named one of the nation’s “Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. It is one of three systems in the nation to earn the 2024 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award from the American Hospital Association.
About Anderson University
Anderson University is a “more selective,” comprehensive Christian university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus and online. It is South Carolina’s largest private university. Anderson University is the #2 private university in South Carolina, according to Niche.com, is among U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Regional Universities South,” and is on the publication’s “Best Value,” “Best Schools for Veterans,” “Best First-Year Experience” and “Best Online Programs” lists. Anderson is a five-time Apple Distinguished School and on the honor roll of the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For® program.