Every high-achieving, under-resourced graduating senior in South Carolina soon will have access to an affordable college education because of a unique public-private partnership that expands the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund.

The Meeting Street Scholarship, which is currently available to students in 14 counties through private philanthropy, will now be an option for students in all 46 South Carolina counties with the support of state funding. The $18.7 million recurring investment was approved by the General Assembly and included in Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive budget.

This means nearly 3,000 students in South Carolina’s high school class of 2027 will be able to attend any of the state’s best colleges without taking on significant student loans. An estimated 2,300 of those students will be supported with state funding.

South Carolina’s hard-working, under-resourced students who have earned the merit-based LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and qualified for a Federal Pell Grant still owe an average of $7,870 annually to cover basic college expenses. The Meeting Street Scholarship covers that gap by providing up to $10,000 per year for tuition, housing, meals and fees.

“The generosity of our donors has been a catalyst for lasting change,” said Josh Bell, president of Beemok Education, a portfolio of nonprofit education initiatives including the Scholarship, Meeting Street Schools and the Excellence in Teaching Awards. “Because they believed in the potential of South Carolina students, thousands of young people have been able to pursue a college education without the burden of overwhelming debt. Today’s statewide expansion is a testament to what visionary philanthropy can accomplish.”

TFor Expansion counties, the $18.7 million in state funding will make one year of the Scholarship available to high school seniors who graduate in May 2027 and meet the eligibility criteria; it will not be available to current college students in Expansion counties. The criteria are:

• Reside in South Carolina

• Graduate from a South Carolina high school in spring 2027

• Complete the FAFSA and receive a Federal Pell Grant

• Earn the South Carolina LIFE or Palmetto Fellows scholarship

• Enroll in an eligible in-state college

In addition to financial support, the Meeting Street Scholarship offers students additional programming to help them thrive in college and beyond, including community, leadership development and work experience.

Research shows those with a college degree are better positioned for long-term success through higher earnings and greater financial stability.

Students can check their eligibility for the Scholarship or fill out an interest form to be alerted when applications are available at meetingstreetscholarshipfund.org.