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Kimberly Brown, HGTC Patient Care Technician student, is turning her dream of a career in healthcare into reality with the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its zero tuition programs for the 2024-2025 academic year. HGTC remains committed to providing affordable education that aligns with high-demand career fields as one of the most affordable institutions of higher education in the state. Students can pursue their career goals without financial worry as HGTC makes education more accessible and affordable.
"We are dedicated to supporting our students in achieving their educational and career aspirations," said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, President of HGTC. "Students taking classes in Fall 2024 may receive the SCWINS funding if eligibility and program criteria are met. It is important to note SCWINS provides funding for courses taught through the Academic and Workforce Development divisions."
The South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS) is a statewide technical college scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages in South Carolina. The scholarship supplements Lottery Tuition Assistance to help cover any tuition and mandatory fees left after applying all other scholarships or grants. The SCWINS guidelines outline priority program categories for all colleges in the South Carolina Technical College System. These programs were selected based on statewide data in critical workforce areas and include both academic and workforce development tracks.
HGTC is proud to highlight the inspirational journey of Kimberly Brown, a 26-year-old single mother whose life has been transformed by the SCWINS scholarship. Originally from North Carolina and now residing in South Carolina, Kimberly's story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of education.
She moved to South Carolina in February 2021 and initially completed a certificate in office administration after high school. However, her passion for the medical field remained unfulfilled. As a single mother with a 15-month-old daughter, Kimberly faced significant financial challenges. Prior to her pregnancy, she worked 14-hour shifts in sales at Coastal Chevrolet Cadillac in Pawleys Island, a job she enjoyed and excelled in. But the demands of motherhood necessitated a career change, leading her to part-time work as a server at Cracker Barrel, while also caring for her disabled mother.
Despite these challenges, Kimberly's determination to improve her life and provide a better future for her daughter never wavered. In May 2024, she began classes at HGTC, aiming to complete the Patient Care Technician program by spring 2025. She has already begun her clinicals in phlebotomy at Waccamaw Hospital, demonstrating her commitment and dedication to her studies.
Kimberly credits the SCWINS scholarship for making her educational journey possible.
"The scholarship has helped me so much," she shared. "I did work before I got pregnant with my daughter, but with the 14-hour shifts, I just was not able to continue. When I initially sought to go back to school, I was turned down for financial aid because I was making enough income at my previous employer. I had given up on my dream and then, my advisor told me about the SCWINS program. Of course, without the scholarship, I couldn’t financially go back to school on my own. Being in the medical field has been a long-term goal of mine, and this scholarship is providing me with a way to do that."
The Patient Care Technician program at HGTC is an accelerated program, preparing students like Kimberly for immediate employment in the healthcare sector. Her long-term goal is to continue her education by pursuing an associate degree in nursing, with hopes of eventually becoming a teacher in the field. Her dedication to caring for others has been a driving force throughout her life, and she is eager to make a positive impact in her community.
"I am grateful to Horry-Georgetown Technical College for the opportunity to do what I love," said Brown. "I heard good things about the instructors, and they have lived up to every expectation."
Kimberly Brown’s story is a powerful reminder of how scholarships and educational opportunities can change lives. HGTC is honored to be part of her journey and looks forward to seeing her achieve her dreams.
Eligibility Criteria for SCWINS
Academic Program Students:
- Must be a South Carolina resident.
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Complete the required documentation.
- Complete the FAFSA and all required Financial Aid documents.
Workforce Development Students:
- Must be a South Carolina resident.
- Complete the required documentation.
The SCWINS Scholarship is also available to Dual Enrollment students who are receiving a Lottery Tuition Assistance Program Scholarship (LTAP) and majoring in a critical workforce area as defined by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. An additional affidavit will need to be completed and submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.
Eligible students will be provided access to the scholarship (up to a maximum of $5,000 for the academic year). The scholarship provides $2,500 per semester (Fall and Spring, with any remaining balance up to $5,000 applied to Summer if necessary) to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and course materials. SCWINS is a “last dollar” scholarship, applied after all other sources of aid.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit www.hgtc.edu or contact the HGTC Office of Financial Aid.
“Building on the success of previous initiatives, HGTC remains committed to empowering students and enhancing the local workforce by offering education without the burden of tuition costs. Join us in the 2024-2025 academic year and take the next step towards a brighter future,” said Nicole Hyman, HGTC Public Relations Director.
For more information about applying, enrolling, and registering at HGTC, call 843-347-3186 or visit www.hgtc.edu.
Christine Farrior (right), HGTC Professor of Phlebotomy and 2024 HGTC Professor of the Year, instructs Kimberly Brown (left), HGTC Patient Care Technician student, in her phlebotomy class.
Kimberly Brown (right), HGTC Patient Care Technician student, performs what she’s learned on a fellow student (left) in the phlebotomy class at HGTC.