Greenwood, SC, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenwood Promise, the nonprofit that provides Greenwood County students a tuition-free path from kindergarten to career, today published a guide answering one of the most common questions local families ask: how to pay for college in Greenwood County without taking on student debt. The nonprofit is also calling on residents, businesses, and alumni to support the fund that makes the program possible.
How Greenwood County Students Qualify for Tuition-Free College
Any student who has lived in Greenwood County School District 50, 51, or 52 since at least 9th grade qualifies for Greenwood Promise’s technical scholarship, which covers a two-year degree tuition-free. Eligibility is not limited by school type — students may attend public, private, virtual, or home school and still qualify.
A limited, application-based bachelor’s scholarship extends the same promise to students pursuing a four-year degree in specific majors.
At a glance:
● Two-year technical scholarship: Open to any Greenwood County District 50, 51, or 52 resident since at least 9th grade; covers tuition regardless of school type attended (public, private, virtual, or home school)
● Four-year bachelor’s scholarship: Limited, application-based, available for specific majors
● Cost to student: Tuition covered — students graduate without the burden of major student debt
● How it’s funded: Entirely through individual donors, local businesses, and community partners
How Students and Families Apply
There is no competitive application for the technical scholarship. Eligible students complete an online pledge form during their senior year, available through the Greenwood Promise or their high school guidance counselor in District 50, 51, or 52; students who attend private, virtual, or home school can request the form directly from Greenwood Promise. Students must also file the FAFSA each year, since Greenwood Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers the tuition balance remaining after state and federal aid is applied — Greenwood Promise staff offer free appointments to help families complete the FAFSA.
The bachelor’s scholarship is application-based and opens each January for a limited number of spots at Lander University and specific engineering programs at SC state-supported universities, prioritized by financial need. The full eligibility requirements, award timeline, and FAQ are published at greenwoodpromise.com/eligibility.
Why It Matters for the Local Workforce
Since its founding, Greenwood Promise has helped local students graduate without the burden of massive student debt, strengthening the workforce and the economy of the community they call home.
“Every diploma handed out and every student who walks into a good-paying job right here in Greenwood is proof this promise works. But that promise is only as strong as the support behind it — and we need our community to keep it alive for the students to come. I’m asking you to make a gift today and be part of what comes next.” — Carrie Hofmann, President & CEO, Greenwood Promise
Every donor receives an accounting of how their gift is put to work in the community.
Residents interested in supporting a Greenwood County student’s path to a debt-free degree can give at greenwoodpromise.com/donate. Students and families can review full eligibility rules, award amounts, and answers to common questions about paying for college at greenwoodpromise.com/eligibility.
By the Numbers
About The Greenwood Promise
Greenwood Promise provides Greenwood County, South Carolina students a tuition-free path from kindergarten to career. Its mission is to provide a tuition-free path for Greenwood County students to obtain the post-secondary education needed to develop a highly skilled workforce, improve overall quality of life, and increase economic vitality. Learn more at greenwoodpromise.com.
Press Inquiries
Carrie Hofmann
Chofmann [at] greenwoodpromise.com
8643778110
https://greenwoodpromise.com
104 Maxwell Ave
Greenwood SC 29646
