"Today we come to you with a plan, one that is going to push our students toward excellence and make college more accessible," Governor Beasley said at today's announcement. He was flanked by legislative leaders, including House Speaker David Wilkins and Representative Billy Boan of Lancaster. Boan and Wilkins are the primary sponsors of the Governor's plan.
The Governor's Palmetto LIFE program will give a $2,000 award for tuition, fees and other expenses at four-year institutions. Those attending two-year institutions will get $1,000.
Coupled with the federal HOPE college tax credit, the award means that many students will receive $3,500 toward tuition, fees and books at public or private colleges and universities. This amount will cover the entire cost of tuition at virtually all public colleges in South Carolina.
Starting next fall, students coming out of high school will be eligible for the award if they meet two basic requirements: a "B" average and a 1000 score on the SAT. Technical college students will have no SAT requirement.
The current college freshman class can get the award if they have a "B" average.
In the fall of 1998, only that year's freshman and sophomores will be eligible. The following year, all undergraduates will be eligible if they meet the academic requirements.
South Carolina needs to encourage students and parents who are planning for college, and "we need desperately for our sharpest young minds to stay here and grow here in South Carolina," Governor Beasley said.
"This isn't manna from heaven. It's a reward for excellence. And to whom much is given, much is expected," the Governor said. "Once these scholars make it to college, they'll have to maintain that 'B' average every year to keep their scholarship. And we're not talking about a five- or a six-year plan. We talking four solid years only of college achievement.
"But the bottom line is this: Students, if you work hard, do well and stay focused, we'll basically pay your way to college. And that's a bottom line that's going to be good news for parents."
Governor Beasley's interest in helping college students goes back to 1988, when he authored the "Cutting Edge" legislation that started the first Palmetto Fellows program.
In 1995, the Governor greatly expanded that program and added South Carolina's first need-based college award program. Together, the Beasley programs have given $45 million in college aid to nearly 14,000 college students.
Today's announcement greatly expands South Carolina's capacity to offer incentives to high school and college students. The Palmetto LIFE program will also fit in well with Governor Beasley's core education philosophy: raise standards and get parents involved.
"We've got to raise the stakes for parents and raise the bar for students. And the end result? Excellence ... without gimmicks or quick-fix schemes, but with solid planning and smart budgeting," Governor Beasley said.
"We can do this. South Carolina's students can do more. In fact, I believe they're capable of greatness," the Governor said. "The Palmetto LIFE scholarship is just one more way we're going to open the gates and set them on the road to take them there."