USC Sumter OSP Alumni-TRiO

05/28/2026

“The Opportunity Scholars Program (OSP) set me up for success in many ways. I was very nervous about the transition from high school to college, but being in OSP and coming to college two weeks earlier than when the first semester started relieved my nerves. I was able to learn my way around campus, make new friends, easily ask for help at any time from people I knew and trusted, and have a great time on our outings. I cannot express how much OSP helped me; not only in the enormous transition from high school to college, but also in the invaluable lessons taught to us during those two weeks during the summer before the fall semester. Additionally, since neither of my parents was fortunate enough to attend college, I had much to learn about college, and OSP stepped in and stepped up. Now that my younger brother will be attending USC Sumter this upcoming semester, I hope he has the same opportunity as me and can enjoy all of the support that OSP offers. ” - Caroline Dollard

05/11/2026

“TRIO played a huge role in my educational journey by constantly supporting and encouraging me throughout my time in college. They provided guidance, resources, and motivation that helped me stay focused on my goals. Their support became the driving force behind my decision to continue my education and work toward earning my bachelor’s degree. I’m incredibly grateful for the impact TRIO has had on both my academic success and personal growth. They never stopped believing in me.” -Emerald McElveny

05/11/2026

04/29/2026

On Monday, April 27, we had the honor of celebrating excellence at our OSP Awards Ceremony 🎉

We proudly recognized our Spring and Fall 2025 Dean’s List and President’s List recipients, celebrated our incredible graduates, and honored this year’s OSPY Award winners. Each student recognized represents the dedication, resilience, and hard work that define our campus community.

Your achievements do not go unnoticed, and we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. We can’t wait to see what’s next for each of you!

02/06/2026

So proud of you Tianna! We can’t wait to see the amazing things you will do.

08/18/2025

“I work at the VA Hospital as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant. SSS was an amazing resource to me in college, they helped me in so many ways, from time management to learning specific study techniques tailored to me to help me succeed. Because of those skills I not only graduated with my bachelors degree in exercise science but also have a great career at the VA hospital and am also pursuing PA school. “ - Roman Childers

08/07/2025

Congratulations to Willow Hairston! One of our own is now teaching the next generation of students. Your TRIO family is beyond proud of you Willow and we know you’re going to do great!

07/14/2025

“Originally I attended USC-Sumter straight out of High School almost twenty years ago. OSP helped to ease the transition from High Scool to College by assisting with course selection, tutoring, and obtaining books to name a few.

When I returned years later they were there again ready, willing, and able to assist me with earning my degree in Business Management. I learned so much from my time with OSP, and gained life long friends and mentors.

My Business Management Degress I acquired at USC has allowed me to work my way up in the world of Insurance.” Jonnell Holley

06/27/2025

“The Opportunity Scholars Program meant the world to me. It gave me the comfort I needed to begin my educational journey. It provided me with care and support unlike any other. OSP gave me the resources and tools for success. I had a safe space to work and build relationships and useful knowledge to become the person I am today. If it were not for this program, I wouldn’t have made it through my first two years of college. I entered the program as a first-generation college student and found a family amongst the students and faculty involved. I give OSP credit for my initial and continued success.” Hope Davis

Currently, Hope is a 5th grade teacher at Millwood Elementary School and is working towards her Masters in Instructional Technology and Educational Design.

06/25/2025

“As someone who had been homeschooled for most of my education, OSP helped me adjust to a traditional classroom setting and provided the tools I needed to succeed. Through the program, I received tutoring, academic advising, study skills workshops, and above all, a support system that made me feel like I belonged. OSP gave me more than just academic resources—it gave me confidence, structure, and people who believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. One of the greatest gifts the program gave me was my best friend—who started as my mentor through OSP and has remained by my side ever since. That relationship alone changed my life. Programs like OSP and TRIO are not just academic resources—they are a lifeline. They are a soft place to land when everything else feels uncertain. A support system when life gets heavy. A reminder that your dreams are still worth chasing, even when life tries to convince you otherwise. For students like me—who came from a nontraditional background, faced financial struggles, and had to find their way without a clear roadmap—OSP was more than helpful. It was essential. And I’ll never stop being thankful for what the program gave me: the tools to succeed, the people who walked beside me, and the belief that I could keep going.” Makayla Newell

Your OSP family is so proud of you and proud to call you a coworker. Makayla is currently applying to graduate school to get her Master’s in Mass Communications. We believe in you!