Trinity-Byrnes registers for SAFE Grant for independent schools
On July 20, Gov. Henry McMaster announced a new grant program benefiting families who are enrolled, or wish to enroll, in any independent school in South Carolina. Eligible families may receive a grant up to $6,500 per in grades K5-12 enrolled in an independent school in South Carolina.
The Safe Access to Flexible Education, or SAFE Grant, will be awarded to 5,000 students who attend an independent school. The SAFE Grant was developed by McMaster to help ease the burden imposed on the families of South Carolina due to the COVID pandemic.
The state has allotted $32 million in educational aid for the SAFE Gant program. The program was modeled off similar programs in Florida, Arizona and North Carolina. The grant will provide critical support for low-income families as they make choices about their child’s education and provide greater opportunity and access to schools previously out of reach due to cost.
Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School has successfully registered for the grant program. The first 2,500 students will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, after which a lottery will be instituted if necessary for the remaining applicants. Families interested in applying should have an adjusted household gross income of 300 percent or less of the federal poverty level. Nearly 68 percent of all South Carolina households will qualify for the grant under these guidelines.
The grant will allow many families who have not been able to afford independent schools, to do so starting this year. All families should have the same educational opportunities in South Carolina, said Spencer Jordan, executive director of the South Carolina Independent School Association.
Any interested family who would like more information about the program should visit www.mysceducation.org.