The Power of Scholarships

Education feels out of reach for so many, even at an institution as affordable as Trident Technical College.

Although approximately 80% of TTC students receive federal financial aid, many still struggle to afford post-secondary education.

That's where TTC Foundation Scholarships come in. Last year, more than 400 students received $428,000 in scholarships, and this year we are poised to award even more scholarships.

Keith Rumrill, Director of Development, manages the scholarship program and says that when someone asks about funding a scholarship, they are often surprised at how little it takes.

"Scholarship donors quickly recognize the impact they can make with as little as $1,000, which would fund an award for one year or $500 for a semester," he said. 

Scholarships financially assist students with tuition, fees, equipment and books, even if they are receiving other aid. 

As we read the thank you letters of grateful students, we are reminded of the other significant, often overlooked, benefit of scholarships. 

More often than not, students write to donors about how surprised they were to receive an award, and what a boost of confidence it gave them to learn that someone believed in them. 

This is no surprise to faculty, staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to help students reach their goals. Half of TTC students are the first in their family to attend college and may not have adequate family support, so a boost like winning a scholarship can help ensure they successfully reach the finish line. 

As one student wrote, 

"Receiving your scholarship has not only given me financial security to allow me to focus on my studies, but it has been an eye opener when it comes to the support system within the TTC community, and I can't thank you enough for that."

Thank you to the many organizations and individuals who support TTC students through scholarships and other programs of TTCF!