A “Futures Scholarship” concept to see that all Laurens County High School graduates can get additional education was formally presented to Laurens County Council this week. The “Future Scholarships – educating Laurens County” concept was outlined in a presentation from Dr. Norman Scarborough along with Piedmont Tech President Dr. Ray Brooks and District 55 Superintendent Billy Strickland. The program is designed to see that any financial needs to pay for tuition for a 2-year degree from Piedmont Tech are covered. Council was informed that all High School graduates have to apply for any state and federal funding to quality for the “Future Scholarship,” then it will fill the gap of any funds still needed for the Associate Degree program.
Council was informed the idea is to start the first year of the program with 75 students, then increase to 150 the next year. The cost for providing this program is projected to be $50,000 in that first year, then $100,000 with the 2nd year expansion. Dr. Scarborough termed this a modest cost considering the benefits of the program.
Councilman Joe wood suggested that these figures are not modest, saying the county’s budget concerns make it difficult to provide such funding.
Council was told that payment to the college will be made at the end of each semester to ensure that the scholarship only pays for those students who are successful.
County Council accepted the proposal as information.