January 29, 2024
Without the Meeting Street Scholarship, Jude Yates likely would’ve passed on his college dream – attending The Citadel.
Instead, the Florence native earned the Scholarship and just finished a demanding first semester at the miliary college with a strong 3.8 grade point average. He did so well that he was honored with the President’s List, one of the most distinguished awards presented by The Citadel, which recognizes those contributing the most to their companies while maintaining excellent military and academic records.
“I’m extremely grateful for this Scholarship,” Jude said. “This scholarship might not seem like a big deal, but to recipients, it really is life changing.”
JUDE’S COLLEGE JOURNEY
Jude grew up in Baltimore, Md., where he said his parents often discussed moving. Talk changed to action after a thief broke into one of their cars.
The Yates family packed up and moved to South Carolina when Jude was in seventh grade. His mom found a job teaching choir at a middle school. His dad, an Air Force veteran, worked for a small business.
His parents always had emphasized the importance of education, and Jude wanted to go to college. He knew graduates of his high school who had gone to The Citadel, and he started attending Citadel recruitment events hosted by alumni. It was easy to see the success they’d found with a Citadel education, he said.
“I respected the way they carried themselves,” Jude said. “You want to surround yourself with people you want to be like.”
Still, he continued exploring and applying to other schools. And when it came time to choose, he had a heart-to-heart moment with himself and considered what he would do if he attended a large state school. He knew that type of environment wasn’t the right fit.
The Citadel requires students to live on campus in barracks for four years; it also incorporates rigorous physical training and intense classes.
“I knew The Citadel was a lot different – and harder – than a normal college, but I was willing to try something new and challenge myself,” he said.
THE MEETING STREET DIFFERENCE
Once he knew where he wanted to go, Jude had to figure out how to pay for it.
He applied for the Meeting Street Scholarship after hearing about it from his high school guidance counselor and soon learned he was a finalist. The Meeting Street Scholarship offers up to $40,000 for college to public high school students in 12 counties who are high achieving (earn a LIFE Scholarship) and have demonstrated financial need (qualify for a Pell Grant). For Jude, the Scholarship ensured his first year of college would be completely covered, and he only would need to take out small student loans.
“This has been a real blessing to me and my family,” he said.
Although The Citadel has been a challenge, he said the college also provides significant resources and support for cadets. The tough environment has fostered camaraderie, he said, and he’s forged close friendships with his classmates.
Jude also credited The Citadel with helping him become a better person. He keeps his room clean, he’s better at following instructions, and he’s more physically fit.
“It’s definitely an experience like no other, and I really can’t see myself anywhere else,” he said.
Pictured below from L to R clockwise: 1. Jude poses with high school classmates who also attend the Citadel 2. Jude’s school portrait 3. Jude receives the President’s List award 4. Jude poses with his mother.
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