(WPDE) — Coastal Carolina University’s student-driven publishing lab, the Athenaeum Press, has received a $150,000 partnership grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission. This is a 36% increase in funding from last year and the second year the organization has received the grant. Through this grant, the Athenaeum Press will be able to fund interns at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as engage external experts to facilitate community writing workshops to tell stories of arts professionals around the state. The Press will also be able to add a part-time staff project manager to the team. The addition of this role will allow the organization to take on additional projects. “This grant is a game-changer for the press and its students,” said Alli Crandell, director of the Athenaeum Press and digital initiatives. “It’s allowed us to reach out to an entirely new network of individuals and organizations around the state. These initiatives are providing real-life creative experiences for our students.” The core mission of the Athenaeum Press is to tell the underrepresented stories of South Carolina. Crandell said the press incorporates students into every aspect of creation, including conducting interviews, designing and video editing. She said that students have been able to develop designs and features that faculty and staff would have never thought of. “We’re leveling up Coastal’s reputation as an innovative campus that offers students unique opportunities for deep community work,” said Crandell. “Transformative community and student learning are at the heart of our work with the press, and it feels great that the S.C. Arts Commission has invested in that vision.” Categories: News, State Tags: Coastal Carolina