Central Carolina Technical College announces free tuition
January 21, 2016
During a press conference Thursday morning, January 21, Central Carolina Technical College announced a new scholarship initiative that provides the first two years at Central Carolina Technical College tuition-free. 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. 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.
Central Carolina Scholars is the result of a partnership between Central Carolina Technical College; all public and private high schools in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties; cities of Camden and Sumter; Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter County Councils; and various corporate sponsors.
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 CCTC’s President Tim 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. Central Carolina Scholars is designed to place local students, directly out of high school, onto the path of higher education or employment.
Students eligible for the scholarship must: be in the graduating class of 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019; graduate from a high school in Sumter, Kershaw, Clarendon or Lee county; test into college level coursework through ACT, SAT or CCTC placement exam scores; present a final high school transcript showing graduation date and minimum GPA of 2.0; begin taking classes in the summer or fall 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.
Central Carolina Technical College is a comprehensive, public, two-year institution of higher education that is dedicated to fostering a positive environment of teaching and learning for faculty, staff and students. The College serves primarily the region of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties in South Carolina and confers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Central Carolina students have a wide array of programs and services from which to choose. Our online programming and cooperative agreements with other colleges and universities provide students with exceptional opportunities coupled with our more traditional learning opportunities. Learn more: cctech.edu
