A new scholarship established by S.C. State Representative J. Roland Smith will provide a total of $20,000 in scholarships for Aiken Technical College students. 

The Roland and Peggy Smith Scholarship will provide 40 scholarships to 2015 graduates of Midland Valley High School or Silver Bluff High School who plan to attend Aiken Technical College. 

Rep. Smith said that he chose to contribute $20,000 toward ATC student scholarships because of the impact that ATC’s academic programs have on preparing citizens for jobs in the local community. 

“Economic development is critical in Aiken County, and Aiken Technical College does great work in training citizens for jobs,” said Rep. Smith.  “Whenever there has been a need for job training in our area, Aiken Technical College has always responded to that need.”

The scholarships can be applied to any credit academic program that Midland Valley High School or Silver Bluff High School students want to attend at ATC. 

“Aiken Technical College is greatly appreciative of Representative Smith’s generous contribution.  It will help local students complete their education so they can prepare to enter the workforce right here in our community,” said ATC President Dr. Susan A. Winsor.  “Representative Smith has always been a strong supporter of Aiken Technical College and growing economic prosperity in our community, and we are honored by the support and opportunities he and Mrs. Smith have given our students.”  

The first scholarships will be awarded for the 2015-2016 academic year.   In addition to being a 2015 graduate of either Midland Valley or Silver Bluff High School, students must have a 2.5 high school GPA and be enrolled full-time at ATC in the fall of 2015.

For more information about the Roland and Peggy Smith Scholarship, students can contact the ATC Foundation at 803-508-7413.  The ATC Foundation scholarship application can be found at www.atcfoundation.org.