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The Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Foundation is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship, made possible by a generous gift from the Rebecca C. Parsons Foundation. The Parsons Foundation has initially committed $100,000 to this program and has further committed to increasing this gift to accommodate additional students and interest in the Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to provide crucial financial support to residents of the Andrews, SC area while pursuing education or career development at HGTC, particularly those who have been impacted by the recent closure of the International Paper plant. Through this initiative, eligible students will gain access to HGTC’s Workforce Development and Advanced Manufacturing programs, empowering them with the skills and training needed to succeed in the evolving job market.
The Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship provides up to $5,000 per semester (or program term for Workforce Development participants) to assist eligible students with various non-course-related expenses, including rent, utilities, gas, and more. This funding ensures students can focus on their studies without financial strain, covering necessary living costs once federal and state financial aid has addressed tuition and fees. The scholarship is open to students residing in the 29510 zip code and enrolling in any of HGTC’s Workforce Development or Advanced Manufacturing programs in the 2025 calendar year. Programs may be completed on any of HGTC’s campuses or online.The Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship is in addition to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds that students may be eligible for through SC Works.
“We’re immensely grateful for the incredible support from the Rebecca C. Parsons Foundation,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President. “This scholarship will uplift members of the Andrews community, allowing them to pursue education and training that paves the way for new career opportunities. The scholarship represents our commitment to supporting student success, not only in the classroom but in every aspect of their lives.”
The HGTC Foundation will further amplify the scholarship’s impact through a community-wide matching grant campaign, challenging additional donors to extend financial assistance beyond Andrews to all workers affected by the International Paper plant closure. This initiative aims to build a robust fund to support displaced workers without geographic restrictions.
William Gaskins, Jr., a Trustee of the Rebecca C. Parsons Foundation, shared his excitement for the partnership, “The Parsons Foundation is proud and honored to support the people of Andrews through this scholarship. We hope that many can take advantage of this opportunity in these trying times for our community. In this moment, our Foundation’s trustees felt the need to take bold action to support our neighbors. This is the first step of an investment in the personal growth of our fellow citizens and our community’s path to economic recovery. We hope this will serve as a catalyst for other donors to join us in supporting those who need it most in our community.”
Shannon Detzler, HGTC Foundation President & CEO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity for meaningful change, “The Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship is a life-altering gift for residents in Andrews facing unexpected economic challenges. We are inspired by the Parsons Foundation’s leadership in this effort and are committed to leveraging this opportunity to bring long-lasting benefits to our entire region.”
The HGTC Foundation looks forward to formally recognizing this partnership and the Parsons Foundation’s generosity with a check presentation ceremony during the upcoming International Paper Rapid Response Hiring Event on November 21-22 in Georgetown. This event will serve to highlight HGTC’s role in Georgetown County’s economic recovery, the opportunities presented by this scholarship, and the call to other community members and organizations to consider making contributions to support HGTC students as they work toward brighter futures.
“While dislocated workers qualify for tuition and some supportive assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the additional funding available through the Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship will be an invaluable resource,” said Rusty Gaskins, Business and Economic Services Manager for the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments. “This scholarship is designed to go beyond tuition, covering essential living expenses that may otherwise hinder an individual’s path to success. We’re committed to helping these workers rebuild their futures with the confidence that they have the support they need every step of the way.”
The purpose of the HGTC Foundation is to raise funds to support the programs, services and activities of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, its students and employees, and to create and strengthen positive relations between the College and the community.
For more information on the Parsons Foundation Opportunity Scholarship or eligibility requirements, please contact the HGTC Foundation at 843-477-2105 or visit the website.