Columbia, SC—Earlier this month, the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) was awarded, for the third consecutive year, grant funding to help high school juniors, seniors, and their families navigate the postsecondary education planning process. CHE’s recipient, the College & Career Opportunity Program, will support 25 AmeriCorps members’ operations in partner South Carolina high schools. In years prior, program partners included Aiken County Public School District, Colleton County School District, and Williamsburg County School District, facilitating outreach to over 400 school-identified high-need students. The board of United Way Association of South Carolina approved the funding recommendation, given by the South Carolina Service Commission, at its June 4 meeting, awarding the program $159,571 for the ’21-22 program year.

Grant funds will advance the service of College & Career Opportunity Coaches as they introduce high school students (especially those in high need) to the many postsecondary pathways that exist, from 2- and 4-year colleges and career certification programs to the military. In addition to helping students explore options for continued education, Coaches will provide valuable assistance with a wide range of postsecondary planning and preparation activities, including:
•    Practicing for the SAT and ACT,
•    Applying for local and national scholarships and grants,
•    Completing the FAFSA, and
•    Submitting college and program applications.

Colette Reamer, CHE’s AmeriCorps Program Director, shared, “We are proud to be selected for continued funding in the 2021-22 academic year, and appreciate the Service Commission’s belief in our student outreach model.” AmeriCorps member and Opportunity Coach, Ashley Labrie, recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, remarked, “The experience of being a College & Career Opportunity Coach has been meaningful in allowing me to use my own past experiences as a high school student navigating my post-graduation plans to relate to my students I am working with at Ridge Spring Monetta High School.”

Dr. Gerrick Hampton, CHE Associate Director of Student Affairs, states, “Using the College Board Opportunity Scholarship program as a model, CHE/AmeriCorps staff have focused our efforts on assisting students navigate the path to postsecondary education and training, regardless of the type of institution they wish to attend.  It is our hope that with the continuation of the grant award, we can expand the program and its reach, while ensuring we continue to help those who need it most.”

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvements of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.