When the South Carolina Supreme Court unexpectedly ruled mid-school year against the state’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund, thousands of low-income students suddenly faced an unimaginable crisis—being forced out of the schools they had finally found success in. Families were devastated, schools were left in uncertainty, and the future of school choice in South Carolina was on the line.

But Wendy Damron, CEO of Palmetto Promise Institute, refused to let these students lose hope.

In the latest episode of SPN’s Neighbors in the Network Podcast, Wendy shares the incredible story of how she raised millions in emergency funding to keep these students in school. Through swift action, coalition-building, and unshakable determination, she not only saved students’ futures but also helped to keep the fight for universal school choice alive in South Carolina.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

A Devastating Blow to School Choice

For years, Palmetto Promise Institute has been a leading advocate for expanding school choice in South Carolina. When the state finally passed the Education Scholarship Trust Fund in 2023, families across the state gained access to new educational opportunities. But in September 2024, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled the program unconstitutional—pulling the rug out from under thousands of low-income students who had already started the school year in new schools.

As families scrambled for answers, schools faced impossible decisions: how could they keep students without the promised funding?

How Wendy Damron Took Action

Rather than accepting this ruling as a setback, Wendy Damron led a historic effort to raise $3 million to ensure no child was forced out of school. She:

Mobilized national and local donors to contribute emergency funds
Worked with private schools to find solutions for affected students
Rallied policymakers and advocates to fight for a permanent fix

In the podcast, Wendy walks us through the behind-the-scenes efforts that made this possible and why she believes South Carolina is now closer than ever to achieving universal school choice.

The Fight for Universal School Choice Continues

While the emergency funds have helped students stay in school, the battle isn’t over. The South Carolina legislature is now working on a new, expanded school choice program, and Wendy is at the forefront of ensuring its success.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How the Supreme Court’s decision impacted families and schools
The strategy behind the $3M rescue fund and how it came together
What’s next for education policy in South Carolina

This is a must-watch conversation for anyone who cares about school choice, education reform, and student opportunity. Watch the full episode above or subscribe to Neighbors in the Network Podcast on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms.