SC Workforce Scholarships for the Future

What does the scholarship cover?

Workforce Scholarships for the Future covers tuition and required fees at the state’s sixteen technical colleges for South Carolina residents. Effective July 1, 2022, all programs leading to a certificate, diploma, degree, or industry-recognized credential are eligible for the funding. Also, effective July 1, 2022, students enrolled in AA, AS, or other general education programs (e.g., General Studies certificate) are eligible for this scholarship. Students enrolled in the Associate in Applied Science in General Technology are also eligible.

Workforce Scholarships for the Future are funded through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds and is currently available through September 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted. Note, a portion of these funds, known as Phase 2, have an earlier end date of September 15, 2022. 

The scholarship does not cover the cost of textbooks.

Eligible Student Types

1. Can dual enrollment students receive the scholarship?

No, dual enrollment students are not eligible for this scholarship.

2. Can new students receive the scholarship?

Yes, new students can receive the scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements.

3. Can continuing students receive the scholarship?

Yes, continuing students can receive the scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements.

4. Are transient students eligible for the scholarship?

No, transient students are not eligible for the scholarship.

5. Can students who have reached their maximum hours receive the scholarship?

Yes, students who have reached their maximum hours may receive the scholarship but are still required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the academic year.

6. Are students who already have a degree in another field eligible for the scholarship?

Yes, students who already earned a degree in another field may receive the scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements.

7. Can the scholarship be awarded to students who are in default?

Students should not owe a refund or repayment of a state grant, a Pell Grant, or a Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant and is not in default on a loan under the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, or William D. Ford programs.

8. Are individuals required to be high school completers to receive the scholarship?

The scholarship is for adults and recent high school graduates. Colleges should follow their local process for admission and enrollment at their institutions and into specific programs of study.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must complete a FAFSA.
  • Students who receive the scholarship must either be employed, complete a financial literacy module/course, or complete 100 hours of community service. 
  • Credit students must also maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year to maintain eligibility.
  • Student must complete the required affidavit form.

To complete the Financial Literacy Course:  Visit Financial Avenue by Inceptia at https://fa.financialavenue.org/fa-login/ to complete the Foundations of Money financial literacy course. The access code to create your username and password is “he6apy”. If you should have any difficulty logging into the site,  you can call the Financial Avenue Customer Service line at 888-454-4668.

PROPOSAL BENEFITS

  • Produces a highly skilled workforce for South Carolina business and industry.
  • Reduces the cost of higher education in the Palmetto State.
  • Lowers student loan debt for South Carolinians.
  • Increases the percentage of citizens with a certificate, diploma or degree to include recent high school graduates and adults.
  • Allows for tuition assistance in non-credit credential programs such as commercial truck driving and forklift operation.
  • Increases accessibility to higher education in the state by having a campus available within 30 minutes.