Clemson extends student grants, jobs program
July 18, 2010
CLEMSON, SC – July 14, 2010 – Clemson University will extend its version of an economic stimulus plan for students — a need-based “completion grants” program and funding for work-study jobs. The first such plan was offered last year.
The program is seeded with $200,000 in existing resources and another $485,000 in private gifts, and it leverages federal funding that provides 75 percent of work-study salaries. The goal is to target financially needy students near the end of their academic careers to ensure that they can graduate on time.
“Essentially we are leveraging $200,000 in our current budget into $1.3 million in student support through private and federal funds,” said Marvin Carmichael, assistant to the president and chief of staff. “This is the best kind of stimulus plan because it helps people stay in school and earn a degree, which significantly increases their lifetime earning potential.”
Eligible students — South Carolina seniors who meet certain income and academic criteria and are considered at risk for dropping out because of costs — may be able to receive up to $2,000 in one-time “completion grants” to help them complete their academic careers.
The program also will fund work-study jobs, which are open to all students who meet federal requirements, regardless of residency. Carmichael said the program would provide support for about 440 Clemson students.
A key component of the program’s funding is an annual giving initiative called the Leadership Circle, which encourages donors to make significant unrestricted gifts to be used at the discretion of the president, a dean or other administrator. The program has raised more than $1.4 million in unrestricted donations since its inception in 2009.
“We consider these unrestricted gifts a vote of confidence in Clemson University, and we deeply appreciate it,” said President James F. Barker, who has discretion over $690,000 in Leadership Circle gifts received this year. “By helping students achieve their educational goals despite economic hardship, these gifts will transform lives.” Remaining Leadership Circle gifts will support other high-priority faculty and student enhancements.
The grants and work-study program will be administered by the Office of Financial Aid. Students who have already applied for financial aid or work-study assignments do not need to reapply to be considered for the “stimulus” grants and jobs.
