Reverend Pinckney Scholarship Program

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hrough the generosity of anonymous donors, Coastal Community Foundation established the Reverend Pinckney Scholars Program in 2016 to promote access to higher education for ambitious, first-generation college students with a demonstrated financial need in Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. In addition to financial support, Pinckney Scholars are provided consistent mentoring and professional training to ensure their success during and after college.

The Pinckney Scholars Program was established in memory of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was murdered during the racially motivated mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The program was created to honor Pinckney’s commitment to justice and education. Pinckney was a trailblazer, elected to South Carolina’s House of Representatives at 23 years old, making him the youngest Black state legislator at that time. He was also a life-long learner who valued higher education, obtaining two master’s degrees and pursuing a doctorate degree at the time of his death.

The founding selection committee was made up of community leaders who understood these core values, including Mrs. Jennifer Pinckney, Former Mayor Joe Riley, and Professor Henry Louis Gates.

About the program

The Reverend Pinckney Scholarship Program supports students throughout their collegiate journey to ensure they have the best chance to graduate and pursue the career of their choice. It provides students with up to $10,000 scholarships each year, ongoing support from a dedicated college success manager, access to free mental health sessions with a licensed therapist, skill-building workshops, college and career preparation, personalized coaching, financial guidance, and an Alumni Network for post-graduation support. Scholars are able to hone their professional skills, prepare themselves financially, pursue exciting educational opportunities, and build a lasting community of peers and mentors.

Students accepted into the program are expected to:

• Be committed to attending and graduating from college.
• Be leaders at school and in the community.
• Be motivated, intellectually curious and ambitious.
• Serve as role models and mentors for future classes of Visionaries and Scholars.
• Maintain transparent, honest, and consistent communication with Foundation Staff.

Criteria for eligibility: Selection criteria include, but are not limited to, satisfactory participation in and completion of the College Readiness Program, Pell Grant eligibility, academic performance, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must be first-generation college students (whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree).

Application process and schedule: Applications are accepted in the second semester of students’ senior year of high school. Selections are announced in May. Up to 17 students are selected each year.