A $25,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund is providing scholarship assistance for high school students enrolled in Greenville Technical College STEM courses. The students are taking the classes for both high school and college credit under the dual enrollment program.
More than 1,725 high school students took advantage of the dual enrollment option during the Fall 2019 Semester. Of those students, 520 are enrolled in math and science courses. They are earning high school and college credit for courses taken, gaining experience with collegiate level classes, saving time and money by getting a head start on their college classes, and exploring career interests.
Studies show that dual-enrollment students immediately enroll in college after high school graduation at a rate that is 19 percentage points higher than the national average. Among students from low-income families, those who attend an early college program are 8.5 times more likely to obtain a college degree than those who don’t. Students from Title I schools receive priority for the Bosch Community Fund scholarships.
STEM courses taken by dual-enrollment students include Biological Science, Anatomy & Physiology, College Chemistry, Physics, Microcomputer Applications, Internet Programming, Algebra, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, Analytical Geometry and Calculus, Engineering Disciplines and Skills, Introduction to Manufacturing, Machine Tool Theory I, and Introduction to Welding.
“Bosch Rexroth believes that investing in STEM education is one of the best ways to ensure our community’s future,” said Mike McCormick, vice president and technical plant manager at the Bosch Rexroth facility in Fountain Inn. “By partnering with Greenville Technical College, we can shape the upstate region’s workforce. Our hope is that these students will be leaders in our community, leaders in our education system and workforce, and if we are lucky, leaders at Bosch Rexroth.”
“Bosch Rexroth and the Bosch Community Fund are true partners to Greenville Technical College,” said Ann Wright, vice president for advancement with the Greenville Tech Foundation. “Once again, they have given us the resources and support to impact education that develops students and allows them to enter strong career paths.”