by Rene Michael Browne

Created on: September 27, 2010

Today, a college degree is almost mandatory to get a well paying job. Unfortunately, the cost of higher education is beyond the reach of many women, especially single mothers. To help women attend college many organizations award scholarships based on academics and financial need. The state of South Carolina is no exception.  There are three college scholarships for women in South Carolina worth looking into.  

 1. Women Involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE)

Women Involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE) is a statewide non-profit organization established in 1981. They sponsor the Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship which was designed to help women who, for whatever reason, were unable to attend a four year college after finishing high school. Each year two women are selected to receive the one-time scholarship in the amount of $2500 based on their financial need and personal goals. The award can be used for the fall or spring semester. To be eligible for a the Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship an applicant must: 

*Have obtained a high school diploma or GED at least ten years ago

*Be a customer of a South Carolina electric utility cooperative

*Accepted into an accredited South Carolina college or university

*Can demonstrate the need for financial aid

*Have well defined personal goals

An application must be submitted by June of the current fall semester.

2. The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship

The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is available to all women enrolled full-time at a South Carolina college or university. The scholarship is  $5000 a year for a total of $20, 000 toward a four – year degree. An application is not required for applicants who meet the following requirements:

* Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident

*A legal resident of South Carolina who graduated from a local high school

* Graduated from a high school outside of S.C, but is a dependent of a legal resident of South Carolina

*Accepted to a  South Carolina four year college or university as a fulltime student

*Not in default of a South Carolina student loan or owe a scholarship/grant refund

*Has not received the Scholarship.
*Must not have any felony convictions

*Must not have any alcohol or drug related convictions or misdemeanor within the 12 months

The Life scholarship is a merit based award, therefore, all applicants must also meet two of the following three

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