Caucus Press Release: House Expands Scholarship Opportunities
Feb 14, 2007
Office of the Speaker
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House Expands Scholarship Opportunities
for South Carolina Students
Math, science and engineering students to receive additional funding through scholarships
COLUMBIA -- Today the House passed a bill expanding the current LIFE, Palmetto Fellows and HOPE scholarships to include additional funding for students in math, science and engineering majors. South Carolina lags behind other Southern states when it comes to increasing the number of students majoring in these fields.
We are trying very hard to develop a knowledge-based economy in our state, but for this to be successful we need more students majoring in math, science and engineering, Speaker Harrell said. Our business community needs more of these students to stay in South Carolina and be the driving force behind this economy. This scholarship gives our students the incentive they need to pursue an education and career in these fields.
The bill (H. 3170) was favorably received by many state university presidents and various leaders in the business community when it was pre-filed in December.
Students who qualify for the LIFE and Palmetto Fellows scholarships, and who are studying math, science or engineering will receive an additional $2,500 per year (total $7,500) for LIFE and an additional $3,300 per year (total $10,000) for Palmetto Fellows starting in their sophomore year. The HOPE scholarship is extended one year to students in those majors.
The base amount for the Palmetto Fellows scholarship was raised to $7,500 for all eligible recipients.
Contact: Greg Foster
(803) 734-3125
fosterg@scstatehouse.net
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