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MORNING HEADLINES  |  The Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, founded by Charleston philanthropist Ben Navarro, is expanding from its current 14 counties to 46, giving under-resourced graduating seniors across the state access to affordable college education. 

“This is a transformational moment for South Carolina students statewide who will now have the opportunity to earn a college degree without worrying about cost,” Navarro said in a press release. “We are incredibly grateful to our state leaders and generous donors who’ve made this Scholarship possible for all students, and we are committed to ensuring every eligible high school senior is aware of this Scholarship as they consider their options for college.”

Donors statewide have committed more than $87.8 million to 2,219 of South Carolina’s graduating class of 2027, 48% of whom are first-generation college students. Recipients will be able to attend any of the state’s best colleges without taking on significant student loans. 

The Meeting Street Scholarship will continue to be funded by private philanthropy in 14 legacy counties: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Charleston, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Spartanburg and Williamsburg.

For expansion counties, the $18.7 million in state funding will make one year of the Scholarship available to high school seniors who graduate in May 2027 and meet the eligibility criteria:

  • Reside in South Carolina;
  • Graduate from a South Carolina high school in spring 2027;
  • Complete the FAFSA and receive a Federal Pell Grant;
  • Earn the South Carolina LIFE or Palmetto Fellows scholarship;
  • Enroll in an eligible in-state college.

In addition to financial support, the Meeting Street Scholarship offers students additional programming to help them thrive in college and beyond, including community, leadership development and work experience.

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In Friday’s edition of the Charleston City Paper

CP OPINION: AI tools require responsible, flexible uses. “AI technologies are moving so fast these days that it’s hard to keep up. School districts struggle between acceptable, flexible uses that embrace its research power with darker uses that border on cheating or plagiarism.”

CP COVER STORY: 2026 City Paper Music Awards: Celebrate Charleston’s musical diversity. Charleston’s music scene has never been particularly interested in staying in its lane, and this year’s City Paper Music Awards make that abundantly clear.

CP NEWS: Powerful preservation tool can help boost affordable housing, too. Since 1992, the Bailey Bill has given local governments the authority to freeze property taxes on historic homes for up to 20 years after major renovations. Former S.C. Rep. Jimmy Bailey, who lives in West Ashley, represented Charleston in the state legislature from 1989 to 1994.

CP FOOD: Peninsula Grill enters new chapter. Charleston native John Ondo has been a pillar in the Lowcountry cuisine scene for more than three decades.

CP ARTS: Kuhn’s new book focuses on family, growing up. Energetic former Republican state Sen. John Kuhn of Charleston has got a new book, “I Tell It Like It Is!,” which highlights his California upbringing and commitment to family.

In recent headlines

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Record-size freshmen class fills streets, moves into dorms at CofC. College of Charleston welcomed a record-setting size freshmen class tot dorms the sprawled downtown, closing down streets and bottle-necking roads around campus.

Coastal Conservation League soon to be under new management after tumultuous period. After an exodus of staff, public concerns from donors and the departure of its former executive director, one of South Carolina’s most influential conservation groups soon will be under new management.

MURDAUGH: What to expect as Murdaugh heads to court for pretrial hearing. The presiding judge in Alex Murdaugh’s new trial will have plenty to consider Friday as both the defense and prosecution square off in a flurry of recently filed motions.

2026: Buttigieg endorses Andrews amid mounting national interest in S.C.’s Senate race. Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says he will back Dr. Annie Andrews in her U.S. Senate bid, as interest mounts from national Democrats after South Carolina retained its status as a first-in-the-nation proving ground for presidential hopefuls in 2028.

CALENDAR: How to find cool things to do around town

Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find. 

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