Program provides first round of funding for students
Students in the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia’s Genetic Counseling program are receiving some much-appreciated financial support. The Genetic Counseling Endowment reached a milestone funding level recently, providing an initial disbursement to second-year students in support of their clinical rotations and training opportunities.
The endowment was created in 2013 by genetic counseling graduates to show their gratitude for the education they received through the program. Spearheaded by the leadership and generosity of Amelia Craver, MGC, ’88, the endowment program launched with a special Challenge Grant Campaign, raising an initial $75,000.
“The program does so much good in preparing genetic counselors for their profession,” Craver notes. “We wanted to ensure the continuation and success of the program, and I am so glad to see the funds used to help students gain more knowledge in helping individuals and families navigate these familial issues.”
The Genetic Counseling Program Advisory Board felt strongly that seniors in the program could benefit greatly from the endowment’s support, according to Janice Edwards, M.S., CGC, director of the Genetic Counseling program.
“The alumni believed this was the best way to ease the student’s financial burden that comes with travel,” she says. “Our alumni know how much energy it takes to do a clinical rotation and to also bear the expense of traveling to those rotations.”
Naomi Baker, Class of 2021, thanked the advisory board for their support of the students.
“I sought this program because I value the depth and experience of the UofSC GCP network,” she says, “and I feel this has exemplified that the support extends far beyond the classroom.”
The endowment also allowed all 18 students in the program to attend this year’s virtual National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference.
“Our intent for the endowment is to enhance the education of genetic counseling students. We are so very grateful to the alumni and friends of the Genetic Counseling Program whose investment directly benefits our students.” Edwards adds.
Learn more about how you can support the Genetic Counseling Endowment.