Our Mission
To increase diversity among South Carolina’s teachers while also tackling the growing teacher shortage, the College of Education launched the Apple Core Initiative in 2018. This scholarship program recruits high school students from historically underrepresented populations into teacher education programs at the University of South Carolina.
Our Students
The program currently has 20 students- 10 freshmen and 10 sophomores. Eight of them
are also first-generation college students.
Apple Core Initiative students live in the same residence hall and participate in
regular workshops aimed at easing the transition into college life, creating a sense
of community and helping them overcome any issues that may stand in the way of their
success.
Student Experiences
Apple Core Initiative students participate in field studies to learn more about the
culture and history of South Carolina, particularly African American history and culture.
During their second year in the program, students participate in a “Study Within”
experience, travelling to a different region of the United States to experience and
study its culture.
In the program’s third year, Apple Core Initiative students study abroad to observe
teaching and learning in classroom settings outside of the United States. In their
final year, Apple Core Initiative seniors put what they have learned throughout the
program into practice as they conduct their required student teaching/internships.
Apple Core Initiative Students Receive:
- A $2,500 annual scholarship plus a $500 travel reimbursement.
- Training for the Praxis Core exam which all education students must pass to become certified teachers
- Ongoing mentoring from faculty as well as current school administrators and teachers to better prepare them to land a great job after graduation
- Culturally relevant experiences to help students gain a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity, culture and education in South Carolina and beyond
- Training and engagement in STEM education
For full details on the application process including deadlines, please visit the College of Education's Scholarships page.