The Curtis Harkness Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship established in 2015 to support students from traditionally underserved populations during the first year of college. The scholarship is in honor of the late James "Curtis" Harkness, a passionate student advocate and champion of diversity, inclusion and equity in higher education. He had an outstanding career in higher education, spanning 27 years and three colleges, Lander University, the University of South Carolina-Aiken and Greenville Technical College where he medically retired as Vice-President of Student, Diversity and Community Affairs. He once stated in an interview that his top goal in life was to be a servant to others. He was known for his love of people, and often was called "the gentle giant" due to his height (6'10") and abundant kindness.
The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, perseverance in the face of adversity and show economic need (broadly defined). Funds must be applied directly to the cost of attendance and all funds will be sent directly to the recipient's institution of higher education. The total award is $1500, half of which will be awarded in the first term of the freshman year upon provision of proof of full-time enrollment (12 or more semester hours) and the student's identification number. The other half will be awarded during the second term of the freshman year upon provision of proof of full-time enrollment and a 2.50 college GPA.
