Categories: College University Athletics

Francis Marion University Receives Grant to Support Students

Students participating in the FMU Summer Success program to support their academic journey.

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

Francis Marion University (FMU) has secured a $100,000 grant from Power:Ed to enhance its Summer Success program. The grant aims to assist in-state students at risk of losing state merit scholarships by covering essential educational expenses. The program, originally developed to address challenges faced during the pandemic, has expanded to support low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college students. Data indicates that 77% of participants retain their scholarships, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in bolstering student success.

Florence, SC – Francis Marion University (FMU) has secured a significant $100,000 grant from Power:Ed, which is the philanthropic arm of the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. This grant is designated to enhance FMU’s Summer Success program, which is aimed at assisting students at risk of losing state merit scholarships.

The funding will be utilized to cover essential educational expenses for a select group of in-state students, including tuition, fees, textbooks, and other costs. This initiative is particularly focused on students who are struggling to maintain the academic requirements for their scholarships. The Summer Success program allows participants to enroll in up to seven credit hours during the summer term, providing an opportunity to catch up on academic credits.

Originally developed in response to the challenges faced by freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has now expanded its focus to cater to a broader demographic of low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college students. Many beneficiaries of this program are from the Pee Dee area and rely heavily on state scholarships to facilitate their higher education.

To retain their state merit scholarships, first-year students must complete at least 30 credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students encountering academic challenges or those who find themselves needing to withdraw from courses often struggle to meet these benchmarks during the standard academic year. Consequently, they may be encouraged to take summer courses to help maintain their scholarship eligibility; however, the associated costs can often be a barrier.

This financial strain can lead to a higher likelihood of students discontinuing their college education altogether if they lose their state merit scholarship. Data from FMU’s pilot project indicates promising results, with 77% of the students receiving assistance under this program managing to retain their scholarships. Furthermore, FMU has reported that its Fall 2024 first-year student retention rate is the highest it has been in the last 15 years, indicating the program’s effectiveness.

The president of FMU conveyed appreciation for the financial support from Power:Ed, emphasizing how it eases the financial burden on students. The executive director of Power:Ed also expressed pride in funding this impactful program and highlighted its potential as a blueprint for similar initiatives at other educational institutions in South Carolina.

In its commitment to supporting education and career readiness in South Carolina, Power:Ed allocated $1 million in grants for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to various organizations, with the fourth quarter alone distributing $212,000, including the grant awarded to FMU. The next application deadline for grant funding from Power:Ed is set for July 1, 2025, offering further opportunities for educational grants and initiatives.

As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the FMU Summer Success program are crucial in ensuring that at-risk students receive the support they need to succeed academically and continue their college journey without interruption.