Francis Marion University Receives Grant for Summer Success Program

News Summary

Francis Marion University has secured a $100,000 grant from Power:Ed to expand its Summer Success program. This initiative assists South Carolina students in retaining their state merit scholarships by providing funding for summer courses. Targeting low-income and first-generation college students, the program is designed to help those at risk of losing their scholarships due to academic challenges. The successful pilot program has already shown a 77% retention rate, indicating significant academic support for students amidst financial burdens.

Florence, SC – Francis Marion University (FMU) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Power:Ed, which is part of the S.C. Student Loan Corporation’s philanthropic efforts. The grant is designated to expand FMU’s Summer Success program aimed at helping South Carolina students retain their state merit scholarships.

The funding will allow select in-state students at risk of losing their merit scholarships to enroll in summer courses, covering necessary expenses such as tuition, fees, and textbooks for up to seven credit hours. The program is particularly focused on aiding low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college students who may struggle academically during their first year.

The Summer Success program was originally initiated in response to challenges faced by freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective is to support students in overcoming academic hurdles, particularly those who may not meet the requirements to retain their scholarships. To maintain eligibility for state merit scholarships, students must earn a minimum of 30 credits and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 after their first year.

Students who encounter difficulties during their courses often find summer classes essential to help them meet these academic standards. However, the costs associated with summer courses can pose a significant financial burden, leaving some students at risk of losing their scholarships and jeopardizing their academic careers.

FMU’s pilot program has demonstrated effectiveness in its operations, as evidenced by the fact that 77% of students who received assistance through the program successfully maintained their scholarships. Additionally, FMU recorded its highest first-year student retention rate in 15 years for the Fall 2024 semester, highlighting the positive effects of interventions like the Summer Success program.

FMU President Dr. Fred Carter expressed appreciation for the grant, indicating that it will alleviate the financial stress faced by students eager to keep their scholarships intact. Furthermore, Power:Ed’s Executive Director Claire Gibbons emphasized that the success of the Summer Success program serves as a model that could be replicated by other higher education institutions across South Carolina.

Power:Ed has committed a total of $1 million in grants for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to various South Carolina organizations focused on educational and career readiness, including the recent grant awarded to FMU. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Power:Ed distributed five grants totaling $212,000.

Looking ahead, the next opportunity for grant funding from Power:Ed is set for July 1, 2025. The expansion of FMU’s Summer Success program is expected to significantly benefit many students from the Pee Dee area, many of whom rely heavily on state scholarships for their education. With the support of this grant, FMU aims to enhance academic success and ensure that more students have the resources necessary to continue their education without financial obstacles.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: FMU Education Foundation Receives Grant
• Wikipedia: Francis Marion University
• SC Now: FMU Receives Grant for Summer Success Program
• Google Search: FMU Summer Success Program
• WPDE: FMU Receives Grant for Nursing Programs
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Francis Marion University
• Post and Courier: FMU Uses AI Research
• Google News: Francis Marion University News