May 16, 2022
Is it Possible?
In 2020, Charleston philanthropist Ben Navarro asked himself, “what if we could make it possible for every student who qualifies to be able to afford to go to college?” From that idea, the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund was born.
The Meeting Street Scholarship Fund was based on the desire to provide access to higher education for Charleston students who worked hard throughout high school, demonstrated financial need, and were accepted into one of South Carolina’s best colleges. Our goal is to open the doors to higher education for deserving students and believe academically successful students should not be deterred from receiving a college education because of tuition costs.
Ensuring One Thing is True for All
In 2021, we opened applications to every Charleston county high school senior who demonstrated financial need and showcased their academic achievements. We awarded college scholarships to 94 outstanding and ambitious students as they began their college careers at the College of Charleston, Claflin, University of South Carolina, Clemson, and others. With students pursuing their interests in business, teaching, or dentistry, one thing is true for all: they will graduate college with less debt which will help pave the way for a more financially successful future.
“We’re so excited about the Meeting Street Scholarship,” said Ben Navarro at the 2021 celebratory brunch to recognize the first scholarship recipients. “It truly allows any kid that graduates from a public high school to attend one of our finest state universities.” The Meeting Street Scholarship will continue to support students through college as they pursue their dreams and work towards a successful career.
Unlocking Doors
Now in its second year, the Meeting Street Scholarship is not only available for Charleston county students, but with the remarkable generosity of the Darla Moore Foundation, students in the eight counties of the Pee Dee region are eligible for the scholarship. This includes students in Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg, in addition to Charleston.
“My support for the Meeting Street Scholarship in the Pee Dee area was actually a long time in the making. I grew up in this small town knowing that a wide world beyond Lake City awaited me,” said Miss Moore. “Higher education was the key that unlocked the doors to the world for me.” We continually strive toward offering these same keys to deserving students across nine South Carolina counties with the hope of expanding into the rest of the state.
All students in Charleston County and the Pee Dee region who earn a LIFE Scholarship and receive a Pell Grant are qualified to receive a Meeting Street Scholarship, which grants up to $40,000 for tuition to South Carolina’s best colleges and universities. With this scholarship, the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund aims to bridge the gap between what is financially affordable and actual tuition costs for high-achieving students who want to receive higher education.
“This scholarship is impacting my future because it’s paving the way for me, getting me to college, and getting a degree,” said Ameer, a recipient of the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund. “This is going to help push me through and help me build my life out from here.” Together with the Darla Moore Foundation, we will strive to provide a pathway to college for every deserving student in South Carolina.
If you think you or someone you know qualifies for a Pell Grant and earned a LIFE Scholarship, go to MeetingStreetScholarshipFund.org/Apply to learn more and apply for the Meeting Street Scholarship.
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