South Carolina Education Trust Fund Recipients

10/08/2026

Clemson isn't an approved vendor with the ESTF—and neither is any other university or technical college in South Carolina. But wouldn't it be amazing if teens could take more in-person classes to fuel their interests? Fostering these learning interests drives community engagement, which means everyone wins!

Don't miss our SC Native Plant Studies Certificate elective course - Rain Gardens!

In this class, participants gain hands-on experience of how water moves through the landscape and the practical strategies homeowners can use to reduce flooding, erosion and stormwater pollution. Learn how to evaluate soil type, how to manage uneven topography and channel excess water. In the afternoon, they will gain practical experience by helping to revitalize a rain garden at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Learn best practices for preparing the site and choosing and installing native plants. Instructors are Anaston Porter and Susan Lunt, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Water Resources Agents from Anderson and Pickens Counties Stormwater Partners (APCSP).

Please Note: All classes are open to the public. If you would like to pursue the South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Program, all core classes plus 4 electives are required for completion.

Visit us online for full event details and registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rain-gardens-solutions-for-managing-runoff-scnpc-elective-101426-tickets-2001389514915?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/07/2026

Ever wonder how a love for science, technology, engineering, or math can turn into a dream career right here in South Carolina? 🔬🌲

Join in with STEM in the Upstate, where teens can discover incredible career pathways with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Whether they are interested in wildlife biology, marine tech, environmental engineering, or mapping out our beautiful state, SCDNR has a place for them!

Don't let them miss this chance to connect their classroom interests with real-world impact. Spaces are filling up fast! ⚡

🎟️ Secure your spot and register today!

For middle and high school students: Join us as we look inside SCDNR natural resources careers! Learn about the wildlife in your backyard and participate in hands-on activities, and learn more about how to gain natural resources skills through the SC Envirothon competition for high school students.

10/06/2026

Education doesn't just happen at a desk! 💡 So looking forward to more engaging, hands-on learning activities this school year in South Carolina. Ready to explore, create, and grow! 🌳🏫

10/02/2026

🎉 Good news! Some Direct Pay vendors are now back and available in ClassWallet. Thanks to everyone for your patience while they finish adding the remaining education service providers.

09/30/2026

A common argument against the ESTF is that public schools are required to accept all students while private schools are not. In reality, not all students have access to the education they deserve at their local public school. With the ESTF, parents can choose the best educational option for their child's needs without additional litigation.

09/29/2026

Did you know? During the 2024–2025 school year, reading books beyond what a school had listed weren't easily available to purchase with ESTF funds. Families had to advocate for those titles to even become an option.

In rural areas where transportation is already a hindrance, access to real books matters even more.

Looking forward to seeing all the bookworms the ESTF is helping grow to move literacy forward in South Carolina. 📚

09/28/2026

ESTF Direct Pay vendor accounts are still inaccessible for parents and vendors. Thank you for your patience while additional security measures are being implemented. During this time, vendors will be unable to access their accounts at all, and parents will not be able to see them in Class Wallet to upload invoices for tuition, classes, tutoring, and more.

09/27/2026

As we wrap up Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, we want every student to know: you matter. Some students won't walk the stage with their classmates this year — and that's okay. Some need a little more time, and that's okay too. What isn't okay is a student believing the only option is to end it all instead of waiting a little longer. 💙

09/26/2026

By the end of the weekend, many parents are already dreading Monday morning, knowing their child will not be supported at school—assuming they can even get through the doors. The ESTF provides options that allow students to have a voice in their learning, and it allows teachers to tailor their classes to students’ interests and abilities. Those classes still contain the core instruction needed, but offering choices provides support for students who otherwise would not have access to what they need.

09/26/2026

Security updates have made Direct Pay vendors currently unaccessible. Class Wallet is aware of the inconvenience, and is working to ensure vendors are back accessible again this week with stronger safeguards than before.