The Governor signed the bill shortly after addressing Boys & Girls State, the leadership-oriented program for rising seniors. Many, if not most, of the students who were in the audience will probably be eligible for the scholarships when they get to college.
"If you make the commitment to study hard and set high goals for yourself, we'll pay for tuition," Governor Beasley told the students. "We're raising the bar and demanding more, but we're also rewarding your accomplishments."
The LIFE Scholarship plan offers $2,000 to any four-year college student who has a "B" average, and incoming freshmen will get it if they scored 1,000 on the SAT. Coupled with the $1,500 federal HOPE tax credit, the LIFE plan enables students to attend public colleges virtually tuition-free. The LIFE money can be used for private college expenses as well. Those headed to two-year colleges can receive $1,000.
"Each of you carries the tools to build a better South Carolina," the Governor told the students. "We're counting on you to make a significant impact in South Carolina, and that's why we want you to go to college here."
The Governor and the General Assembly designed the
program in part to offer an incentive for achieving students to stay in
South Carolina to go to college. The Governor also believes the LIFE plan
will help boost South Carolina's SAT scores by giving a reward for scoring
1,000 on the test.
Legislators worked out details of the scholarship
plan earlier this week. The measure also includes a tax credit for the
parents of college students. Those going to four-year schools can get a
maximum of $850, while those going to two-year schools would get as much
as $350.
Note: An actuality from the Governor's remarks will be available later today on PressBox.