Our Mission
To address the growing teacher shortage, the College of Education established the Apple Core Initiative. This scholarship program recruits high school students from historically underrepresented populations into teacher education programs at the University of South Carolina.
Our Students
The program consists of 30 students who hail from all over South Carolina. Our scholars represent various regions and school districts throughout the state.
Our students represent various majors within the College of Education, including high school content specialists and early childhood education.
Student Experiences
Apple Core Initiative students participate in community meetings to ease the transition into college life, creating a sense of community and helping them overcome any issues that may hinder their success.
Apple Core Initiative students participate in field studies to enhance their grasp
of South Carolina's culture and history. We foster a deep understanding for students,
starting with exploring the rich historical roots of the Columbia campus. Students
also take part in tours of Columbia and the state of South Carolina.
Apple Core Initiative Students Receive:
- A $2,500 annual scholarship plus a $500 travel reimbursement.
- Training for the Praxis Core exam which all education students must pass to become certified teachers.
- Ongoing mentoring from faculty as well as current school administrators and teachers to better prepare them to land a great job after graduation.
- Experiences to help students gain a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity, culture and education in South Carolina and beyond.
- Training and engagement in STEM education.
For full details on the application process including deadlines, please visit the College of Education's Scholarships page.