Essay Scholarships
Purpose
The Tywanza Sanders® Legacy Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor the legacy of Tywanza Sanders® and his commitment to education. Tywanza was a victim of the Emanuel Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. The mission of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors enrolling in undergraduate study at a four-year college or university in the United States for the 2025-2026 academic year.
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Selection Criteria
The Tywanza Sanders® Legacy Scholarship awards scholarship on the basis of a comprehensive review process. The review committee will assess the following areas: written essay, academic performance, and financial need. Scholarships are awarded upon the availability of funds and additional qualifying criteria.
The Tywanza Sanders® Legacy Foundation awards scholarships without regard to race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants who do not meet the qualifications. The Tywanza Sanders® Legacy Foundation reserves the right not to award a scholarship in a given year.
Timeline
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Application submissions will be accepted starting February 15, 2025
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Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm (EDT) on April 15, 2025.
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Award notification will be given by May 23, 2025.
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Award will be formally presented during a Tywanza Sanders® Legacy Foundation recognition ceremony on July 19, 2025.
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Application Process
To be considered for the Tywanza Sanders® Legacy Scholarship applicants must submit the application via the secured online application system by April 15, 2025. Incomplete applications and applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Please note: a) that the online application will close and not allow any more submissions after 11:59 pm on April 15, 2025, b) file sizes are limited to a max of 1500 KB. No applications will be accepted after the deadline or by mail. Please prepare accordingly.
Applicants MUST provide:
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Completed application
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High school transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)​
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Identification verification (copy of state-issued ID or official school photo ID)
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Proof of acceptance at an accredited 4-year college/university in the United States (enrollment will be verified upon award distribution)
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A typed essay
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Completed Financial Needs Worksheet​
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Textbook Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
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Applicants must have permanent residency in South Carolina and must be a United States citizen
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Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from a South Carolina high school
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Applicants must be accepted into an accredited 4-year college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year
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Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application along with the required supporting documents
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Applicants must demonstrate a financial need using the required Financial Needs Worksheet
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Applicants must complete a 300 to 500 word typed essay
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Essay Question:
Identify an invention or idea that was developed more than 100 years ago that still has a major effect on the way we live today. How has this technology or idea affected your life?
AWARDS AVAILABLE
$500
$500
AWARDS AVAILABLE
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$5000
$2000
$1000
Statewide Academic Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
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Applicants must have permanent residency in South Carolina and must be a United States citizen
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Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from a South Carolina high school
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Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
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Applicants must be accepted into an accredited 4-year college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year
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Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application along with the required supporting documents
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Applicants must demonstrate a financial need using the required Financial Needs Worksheet
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Applicants must complete a 500 to 800 word typed essay
Essay Question:
Discuss a book, movie, or other media that has significantly shaped your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and explain its impact on your personal growth.
First-Generation Academic Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
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Applicants must be an African American student who is a first-generation college student (First-generation college student is any student where neither parents have obtained a bachelor's degree)
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Applicants must be a graduating high school senior attending either Burke High School, James Island Charter High School, or Charleston Charter School for Math and Science
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Applicants must a resident of Charleston County, SC
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Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
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Applicants must be accepted into an accredited 4-year college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year
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Applicants must demonstrate a financial need using the required Financial Needs Worksheet
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Applicants must provide proof of first-generation status using the required First-Generation College Student Verification Form
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Applicants must complete a 500 to 800 word typed essay
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Essay Question:
Explain how your desire to break the mold and pave the way for future generations in your family fuels your academic ambitions.