Living in Jamaica as a young child, Tyler Shakespeare experienced frequent and unexpected power outages and saw the effects the disruptions had on his family and others. Recalling those challenges fueled a desire to help provide sustainable and practical energy solutions to rural communities.
As a student back home in the United States, Shakespeare focused on science, technology, engineering and math, and became interested in alternative energy technologies. Now he’s studying electrical engineering at Clemson University after earning several scholarships to help fund his studies, including a $5,000 award from the Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship.
“I want to become an engineer because I believe in building more than just technology,” Shakespeare said. “I want to create real solutions that help people, especially those who are often overlooked. My goal is to work for a major tech company, start my own business and use artificial intelligence to make tools that are accessible, fair and helpful to the people who need them most.”
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Shakespeare moved to Jamaica at age two and lived there until his family moved to Greenville in 2020. He graduated from Greer Middle College Charter High School in 2025. He was a 2023 winner of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Award, and attended the state conference at Presbyterian College.
After completing his first year at Clemson, Shakespeare said he particularly enjoyed an undergraduate research course on using AI to enhance communication. A highlight of the year was a summer project management internship with a telecom contractor in Greenville, and he has accepted another internship as data analyst for the university.
Shakespeare said he was inspired to excel by his mother, Tracey Maddix, a nurse practitioner with the South Carolina Department of Public Health. She instilled values emphasizing education and service to the community.
“She’s been so supportive,” he said. “I see her work so hard and I want to do more.”
For high school students hoping to earn scholarships, Shakespeare recommends keeping their resume and career goals in mind when choosing classes and activities.
“Keeping applications, essays, and resumes all in one place helps so you can access the information quickly,” he said.
Margaret Paylor established The Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund in 2017 to provide financial assistance for higher education for Greenville County students planning to attend a South Carolina public college or university.
It’s one of several such funds established by individuals and organizations through Community Foundation of Greenville. CFG disburses scholarships annually according to guidelines set up by the donors, and manages the investment of the funds so that their gifts can continue to support local students for years to come.
To learn more, visit cfgreenville.org/grants-impact/scholarships.
