News Summary
Francis Marion University has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Power:Ed to expand its Summer Success program. This initiative is aimed at assisting South Carolina students at risk of losing state merit scholarships by providing funding for tuition, fees, and textbooks. The program has already been successful, with 77% of participants maintaining their scholarships, highlighting the need for financial support for underrepresented and first-generation students in the state.
Francis Marion University Secures Funding to Aid South Carolina Students
Florence, SC – Francis Marion University (FMU) has been awarded a significant $100,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy division of the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. This funding aims to expand FMU’s successful Summer Success program, designed to assist South Carolina students in retaining vital state merit scholarships.
The grant will primarily support in-state students at risk of losing their scholarships by covering tuition, fees, and textbooks for select individuals. Eligible students will be able to take up to seven credit hours during the summer term, which is crucial for those facing academic challenges and needing additional support to meet scholarship requirements.
Support for At-Risk Students
The Summer Success program was initially created to aid freshmen who encountered difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering them resources to continue their education. The initiative specifically targets low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students—populations that often experience barriers to academic success.
In South Carolina, state merit scholarships mandate that first-year students earn at least 30 credits and maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain their scholarships. Many students struggle to meet these criteria, especially when academic pressures force them to withdraw from courses. For these individuals, the prospect of taking summer courses is often financially daunting, and failure to meet scholarship requirements can jeopardize their entire college education.
Successful Pilot Program
The Summer Success initiative has already shown promise in its pilot phase, with 77 percent of participating students successfully maintaining their scholarships. This statistic highlights the program’s effectiveness in addressing the needs of students facing academic hardships. With the new funding from Power:Ed, FMU plans to expand this program further to assist even more South Carolina students.
Community Impact and Future Directions
Dr. Fred Carter, President of FMU, expressed appreciation for the support provided by Power:Ed, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in helping students achieve academic success. Meanwhile, Claire Gibbons, Executive Director of Power:Ed, noted that the Summer Success program serves as a potential model for other higher education institutions across South Carolina, indicating a commitment to collaboration in improving educational outcomes.
Power:Ed has been active in promoting education and career readiness, allocating $1 million in grants to various South Carolina education organizations for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This funding is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational resources and support systems for students throughout the state.
Contextual Background
The challenges faced by students in South Carolina are multifaceted, with financial constraints often playing a significant role in academic performance. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues, pushing educational institutions to find innovative solutions to support students. FMU’s Summer Success program exemplifies a targeted response to these challenges, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
As FMU moves forward with the expanded program, it is positioned to play a vital role in the ongoing effort to ensure that South Carolina students can access higher education and secure their futures. The results of these initiatives will be closely watched, as they may influence how educational support is structured statewide.
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