Bluffton Self Help sets aside $50K for college scholarships

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV) – Bluffton Self Help steps up to aid people in the community who need a boost.

One of those ways is through education, making a difference in the lives of young people who want to succeed and learn.

“When we think about our financial hardship program, we know that college and the cost of tuition can be a burden and a hardship,” said Courtney Hampson, CEO of Bluffton Self Help.

That’s why Bluffton Self Help is offering $50,000 to be split among 25 students to help with books, supplies and tuition.

“I think recent high school grads who are maybe on the fence about what’s next because of the financial burden,” said Hampson. “I think it’s adult learners who are maybe a nontraditional student who might be thinking about going back to school.”

She said the funds are earmarked for two-year or four-year schools, technical college or certificate programs at the technical college.

“When we’re looking at 60% of our neighbors aren’t earning a livable wage and times are already tough, tuition becomes a hardship,” Hampson said. “So, if we can cover some of those costs, we know that that student and or that family can then reallocate those dollars somewhere else.”

Students like Kennedy Smalls, a recent University of South Carolina graduate who volunteered at Bluffton Self Help, were able to take advantage of their scholarship program.

“They’re always looking to help people,” said Smalls. “They have signs all over buildings. They have about three buildings and they see the sign and almost every building for help with almost anything. I mean, they have JD courses. They help you get into school; they help you find jobs. They help you do your resume. They’re there for almost everything.”

Taking care of needs now, like helping with education, can mean better jobs and making people less likely to need Bluffton Self Help’s other services later.

“We have some really hard conversations and folks are hungry and folks are struggling,” said Hampson. “But on the education side, that’s where we get to see success and we get to celebrate it. Being able to help somebody with their higher education goals. This is one of the things we can scream from the rooftops and really celebrate.”

If you would like to apply for the scholarships, you can call (843) 757-8000 or go to Bluffton Self Help’s website.