South Carolina high school seniors are being invited to apply for eleven $2,500 college scholarships introduced by SAFE Federal Credit Union.
The initiative is part of the credit union’s newly expanded scholarship program aimed at helping young adults faced with the rising cost of post-secondary education.
Eligible candidates must be members of SAFE Federal Credit Union, and meet specific criteria, including an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or greater and plans to enroll as a full-time college student in 2024.
“A key area of focus for SAFE is to help our members meet their life goals —that includes higher education,” said President and CEO, Michael Baker. “We hope our scholarship awards will ease the burden of college expenses for these deserving students.”
Scholarship applications and awards are managed through the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and will be formally announced in March prior to SAFE’s Annual Membership Meeting scheduled for March 18, 2024.
SAFE encourages all eligible high school seniors to submit their application before the deadline of February 1, 2024. For more detailed information about SAFE’s scholarship program and to apply, visit www.SAFEfed.org/scholarships
Richland Library wins Power:Ed grant
Richland Library is the recipient of a $26,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan. This gift marks the third round of funding from Power:Ed and will serve 20 Richland County residents in completing Richland Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) program. Career Online High School prepares adult students for careers, whether they are entering the workplace for the first time or want to advance in their current places of employment. Students choose a major from 10 high-growth, highdemand career fields and complete coursework to develop the skills and knowledge that employers need.
“Power:Ed is proud to continue supporting Richland Library’s efforts to transform educational outcomes for adult learners, help them achieve the skills necessary to secure better paying careers, and help break the cycle of poverty for Midlands’ families,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.
Richland Library’s Career Online High School is a free program for Richland County residents ages 21 and older who have completed the eighth grade and are looking to earn their high school diploma. Career Online High School began in 2018 and Richland Library welcomed its first graduating class of five students in October of 2019. As of today, the program has 79 graduates, with 5 students poised to graduate before the 6th graduation event on April 14, 2024. One of Richland Library’s recent graduates, Letita Miller (May, 2023) was named the first Student of the Year for the program and received a $1,000 Scholarship from Smart Horizons, to attend Midlands Tech.
“Career Online High School provides adult learners in Richland County an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives, with the support of Richland Library’s caring and committed staff,” said Richland Library Executive Director Melanie Huggins. “Earning a high school diploma through Career Online High School can open a world of opportunity for each graduate and we are grateful for PowerEd’s commitment and partnership.”
