Student Projects Shine During Give 4 Garnet
What happens when University of South Carolina students pour their hearts into something bigger than themselves? Give 4 Garnet student-led crowdfunding projects showcase the powerful stories of creativity and commitment during the biggest giving days of the year.
Students combine their passions and what they are learning for special programs like broadcasting diverse voices through WUSC-FM and expanding access to the arts through Rooster Tales theater camp for children with autism.
Turning Up the Volume: The Power of Student Media
Luka Albarran, Engagement Director of WUSC-FM, did more than organize a fundraiser. The junior majoring in broadcast journalism helped transform what it could achieve. Luka and his team planned a week of events to support the student-run radio station every year. This year, they aligned their fundraiser with Give 4 Garnet, and the results exceeded all expectations: they raised $16,000 out of a goal of $5,000.
They organized partnerships with local businesses and planned multiple events, including a thrift and craft fair and a live concert featuring student bands. Albarran says the impact went far beyond the money raised.
“It warms my heart to see people come out and donate money to this station that means so much to me,” he says.
The funds help keep the station running by covering fees for licensing, equipment and future opportunities. These donations support a platform that helps students build confidence and lasting skills.
As an on-air DJ, Albarran says WUSC-FM is a space for students to share their unique voices and serves as “an amazing outlet for them to be themselves.” He believes the impact of this project goes far beyond one week.
“Donating to WUSC-FM means you are giving students skills and experience that will last them a lifetime,” he says.
More Than a Camp: Rooster Tales Is Changing Lives
Jackson McFadden may not have created ‘Rooster Tales,’ but the moment he stepped into the program, it changed his purpose. The student-led theater camp designed for elementary students on the autism spectrum was built on research showing that acting and role-playing can help children develop social and communication skills. The camp also gives families a safe, supportive space and trains future clinicians, educators and researchers.
The experience quickly became personal for Jackson. “My experience with Rooster Tales is one of the most important motivators to pursue my Ph.D.,” he says. “It wasn’t until I saw the clinical team in action that I thought, it is absolutely where I see myself in the future.”
Preparing to begin his doctoral program at USC, McFadden credits the program with shaping both his career path and his purpose. While the camp is still growing, parents consistently share one message: they wish more people knew about it.
“Even if growing meant having a fully staffed team to see 100 kids a year versus 10,” McFadden says, “I think about the value camp would provide both to our families and our experts-in-training.”
The impact goes beyond a single summer program, and McFadden hopes the program can continue to expand for the families it serves and the students learning how to support them.
“I hope that this project will continue to be a space where kids have a fun experience that they look forward to,” he says, “and where we learn how to care for them to the best of our ability.”
Grateful 4 Garnet
These student projects show that when students turn passion into action through Give 4 Garnet, they get hands-on learning and create opportunities for others to be seen, supported and celebrated.
Thanks to 7,254 donors this year, Give 4 Garnet raised $1.3 million for over 200 funds that make an impact for students. Want to help more students bring their ideas to life? Contact George Fetner at FETNERG@email.sc.edu.