SCHOLARSHIPS
2022 Applications Are Now Open
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The Dr. Doretha Pressey Southern Scholars Initiative, Inc. was developed to honor the life and further the legacy of Dr. Doretha Pressey and Mrs. Clara Mae Coleman. Dr. Pressey was a graduate of Denmark-Olar High School and a successful, passionate, and committed educator. Mrs. Coleman was Dr. Pressey’s mother and the woman who most inspired and encouraged her success; she was also a longtime Denmark resident and an active supporter of Denmark's public schools. Dr. Pressey’s daughters, her husband, and Mrs. Coleman’s family developed Southern Scholars after these two great women passed away in late 2018. The family hopes that these scholarships will help inspire and assist hard-working committed students of color from the rural South to get into college, graduate on time, become successful in their chosen careers, and give back to those in need.
Southern Scholars Initiative offers two types of awards:
1. The Dr. Doretha Pressey Academic Scholarship - this award is for students who intend to pursue higher education at a fully accredited four-year college or university
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2. The Mrs. Clara Mae Coleman Technical School Award - this award is for students who intend to pursue higher education at a trade school, technical school, or a community college
Award Amounts:
The Dr. Doretha Pressey Scholarship provides the selected scholar with a total of $18,000 (evenly distributed over the course of four years).
The Ms. Clara Mae Coleman Technical School Award provides the selected scholar with a total of $6,000 (evenly distributed over the course of two years).
Eligibility Requirements:
All students who will be graduating from a High School in Bamburg County, SC in 2022 with at least a 2.5 GPA and who intend to pursue higher education at either a fully accredited four-year college or university or a trade school, technical school, or a community college are eligible to apply for a Southern Scholars' scholarship.
Specifically, the ideal 2022 Southern Scholars Scholarship recipients will be:
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Graduating from a High School in Bamberg County, SC in 2022.
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Accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at either a four-year college or university or a trade school, technical school, or a community college
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A person of African, Indigenous, Asian, or Hispanic descent
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A Pell Grant Recipient
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Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
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Exhibit determination in the pursuit of goals
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Have a commitment to and demonstrated history of giving back and helping those in need
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Willingness to commit to and participate in each of Southern Scholars’ programs including: College Coaching, Mentorships, Community Service, and Travel Opportunities.
DEADLINE:
The Deadline is April 18, 2022, at 11:59 PM.
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