This fall semester marks the first-time Central Carolina Technical College is eligible to award the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship to its students. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based program established in 1988 to recognize the most academically talented high school seniors and encourage these students to attend college in South Carolina.
In May 2021, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster amended the eligibility of the scholarship program to include two-year institutions of higher learning and technical colleges. The scholarship is administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and must be applied directly toward the cost of attendance, unless other financial aid is received.
CCTC’s first Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipient is Aaron Watson. Born and raised in Camden, SC, Watson attended Camden High School where he heard about CCTC through the dual enrollment classes offered.
Watson is currently pursuing an associate degree and multiple certifications in computer technology. He hopes to graduate CCTC with an associate degree then work toward a certification in networking. His ultimate goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree then work as either a networking technician or a network administrator.
Watson’s favorite part of Central Carolina is the opportunity the college provides students to pursue higher education without going deep into student loan debt.
“The college provides a very affordable learning experience, which has been a huge help to me personally,” Watson said. “If I could share any piece of advice with a future student, it would be to never lose your faith, always give your best in all the work that you do and always keep your eyes open. You never know what door will open next and what amazing opportunity might be waiting for you on the other side.”
For more information on financial aid or the South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholarship program, call the CCTC Financial Aid office at (803) 778-7831 or email finaid@cctech.edu. To find out more about ways to pay for college visit www.cctech.edu/paying-for-college/.
