Low-income students across South Carolina are getting some much-needed support from Charleston-based nonprofit Engaging Creative Minds (ECM) thanks to a surprise gift from Chick-fil-A.
The global restaurant chain surprised ECM officials on Feb. 10 with a $125,000 donation through the company’s annual True Inspiration Awards program, one of the largest global giving initiatives. With the support of this grant, ECM will expand its YESCarolina entrepreneurship program.
“Programs like this can’t survive without public participation from good-hearted people and donations like this,” said Jimmy Bailey Sr., a former S.C. Representative from West Ashley who founded YESCarolina before ECM took over the program in 2021.
“Education is the most important thing we can do for our young people, and kids who come from low-income households have to develop good street sense just to survive,” Bailey said. “And there’s no better background for entrepreneurship than having a good street sense.”
ECM was one of 56 nonprofits to receive funds this year, with more $6 million in grants given out in total. More than 3,500 nonprofits applied this year.
“Serving is at the heart of what we do, and the True Inspiration Awards reflect our belief that strong communities are built through consistent, caring action,” Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew T. Cathy said in a press release. “These organizations inspire us with their relentless commitment to serve, innovate and uplift the people and communities around them. We’re proud to support their work and invest in a stronger future for people and places around the world.”
ECM strives to empower students, particularly those from low-income families, and strengthen their communities through entrepreneurial education. It serves high school students in public schools across the state, reaching over 4,000 students.
The donated funds will go toward providing teacher certification and entrepreneurship curricula in 133 schools, offer seed funding for student-led business ventures and support community giveback initiatives that connect student businesses with local nonprofits.
Founded in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A’s founder S. Truett Cathy, the True Inspiration Awards program annually supports organizations across the U.S. and globally that are making a positive impact in their local communities. Chick-fil-A has awarded nearly $40 million through the program to date.
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