The University of South Carolina Columbia (USC) and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) today announced the launch of a new scholarship program designed to support GSSM graduates who choose to continue their education at USC’s Columbia campus.
University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis and GSSM President Danny Dorsel have finalized this scholarship initiative that strengthens the pathway for GSSM’s most academically talented students to the state’s flagship university. Under the newly established program, GSSM graduates who enroll as first-time, full-time students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia and who are named Palmetto Fellows by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education will receive an annual $10,000 scholarship award.
“This scholarship program reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that South Carolina’s most talented students have access to exceptional educational opportunities within our state,” Amiridis said. “By building on the strength of the Palmetto Fellows program and the outstanding preparation provided by GSSM, we are investing in academic excellence and in the long-term prosperity of South Carolina.”
Dorsel added, “Our mission is to develop leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for South Carolina. This new scholarship strengthens the partnership between GSSM and the University of South Carolina and creates meaningful opportunity for our graduates to continue their academic journeys at the state’s flagship institution.”
Scott Verzyl, USC’s vice president for enrollment management and dean of undergraduate admissions, emphasized the strategic importance of the program.
“This scholarship enhances our ability to attract and enroll South Carolina’s best and brightest students,” Verzyl said. “GSSM students represent some of the highest-achieving scholars in our state, and this investment ensures that more of them can choose USC with confidence, knowing their academic excellence is recognized and supported.”
USC and GSSM look forward to welcoming the first cohort of scholarship recipients and to continuing their collaboration in service of the educational and workforce needs of South Carolina. Additional details on this new program are forthcoming on USC’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website.