A $12,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund is providing scholarship assistance for 22 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 1,300 high school students took advantage of this dual enrollment option during fall semester 2018. They earned high school and college credit for courses taken, gained experience with collegiate level classes, saved time and money by getting a head start on their college classes, and explored 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 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, Instruction 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 support our community,” said Mike McCormick, vice president and technical plant manager at the Bosch Rexroth facility in Fountain Inn. “We know the students at Greenville Technical College will play a major part in shaping our future community. They will be leaders in our community, leaders in our education system, leaders in our workforce, and if we are lucky, leaders at Bosch Rexroth.”

“The dual enrollment program has demonstrated benefits in increasing educational outcomes,” said Ann Wright, vice president for advancement with the Greenville Tech Foundation. “This support from the Bosch Community Fund is an investment in our young people and their career pathways. Our mission is to transform lives through education, and with Bosch’s help, we are able to do just that.”