Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 14, 2026 —

The Meeting Street Scholarship program has expanded its reach to include high school seniors from 32 counties across South Carolina, with the goal of providing a debt-free college education to eligible students. This initiative is bolstered by an $18.7 million commitment from the state legislature.

The scholarship is designed to assist low-income students who maintain good academic standing. It offers awards of up to $40,000 to cover educational expenses that are not met through other financial aid programs. This expansion aims to broaden access to higher education for students who might otherwise face significant financial barriers.

Founded by philanthropist Ben Navarro, the Meeting Street Scholarship has demonstrated positive outcomes during its pilot phase. According to program data, 88% of past scholarship recipients have either successfully graduated from college or are continuing their studies. Furthermore, a significant portion, 70% of these recipients, have achieved their degrees without incurring any student loan debt.

The legislative commitment of $18.7 million signifies a substantial investment in the state’s future workforce and educational attainment. By targeting students with financial need and strong academic records, the program seeks to foster a generation of graduates prepared to contribute to South Carolina’s economy.

The expansion into 32 counties means that a larger pool of high school seniors will now have the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. Details regarding the application process and specific eligibility criteria for the upcoming academic year are expected to be made available through official program channels. The focus remains on enabling students to pursue post-secondary education without the burden of accumulating substantial debt.



Story summarized from the original created by Seanna Adcox on scdailygazette.com, see more information here.

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