CCTC announces Scholars program, free tuition

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SUMTER - Central Carolina Technical College held a press conference Thursday morning to announce its new scholarship initiative that will provide the first two years, tuition-free, at Central Carolina Technical College

"The first of its kind in South Carolina, Central Carolina Scholars is an economic development tool for existing and new industries and will afford expanded higher education opportunities to high school students in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties," said Public Information Director Becky Rickenbaker. "It is a pipeline to boost the region's skilled workforce and an affordable start for students on track to a four-year college or university."

The Central Carolina Scholars program is a partnership, Rickenbaker said, between CCTC; all public and private schools in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties; the cities of Camden and Sumter; Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter county councils; and various corporate sponsors.

CCTC President Tim Hardee said the pilot initiative was introduced in 2011 and successfully culminated in 2015. Enrollment numbers doubled, and the scholarship initiative proved successful for both the College and the

community.

“Our region of South Carolina is committed to joining the nationwide trend to provide a tuition-free higher education option for local high school students, and a trained and ready workforce for economic development in our four-county service area,” said Hardee. "CCTC continually strives to expand its commitment to providing students with tools for success. This scholarship is another opportunity to help students achieve their goals."

Hardee added that Central Carolina Scholars is designed to place local students, directly out of high school, onto the path of higher education or employment.

Eligible students must be in the graduating classes of 2016-19; graduate from a high school in Sumter, Kershaw, Clarendon or Lee counties; test into college level coursework through the ACT, SAT or CCTC placement exam; present a final high school transcript showing a graduation date and minimum GPA of 2.0; begin taking classes in the summer of all semester immediately following high school graduation; and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.

"The scholarship covers tuition only and will be provided for the duration of one program of study

for up to two years," Hardee said.

He said the projected annual cost to implement the scholarship is $250,000.

"The scholarship will be provided for the duration of one program of study for up to two years," Hardee said.