ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State launched the new Blackbaud Award Management (BAM) system to connect new and incoming students to hundreds of scholarship opportunities available through the university and its donors.
SC State awards numerous scholarships each year through the SC State University Foundation and other privately funded programs. The new BAM platform will serve as the centralized location for students to complete a single general application that can match them to multiple scholarship opportunities based on their eligibility per academic year.
“This is a major step forward in removing barriers to student access and success,” said Dr. Manicia Finch, vice president for enrollment management. “We want to make it easier for students — especially those balancing academics, work and family obligations — to find and apply for the financial support they need.”
Once logged in using their SC State credentials, students complete the general scholarship application in BAM. The system then automatically matches them to eligible scholarships and recommends additional opportunities. Some programs may still require supplemental applications or follow-up documentation.
“We’re committed to a student‑first experience,” said Davion Petty, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “BAM empowers our students to take ownership of their financial journey, and it helps ensure no opportunity is overlooked.”
Scholarship awards vary in amount and eligibility criteria. Some are based on academic merit or financial need, while others are designated for students in specific majors or such programs as the Honors College, Band, Call Me MiSTER, STEM initiatives or 1890 Research and Extension.
Applying through BAM does not guarantee a scholarship award, but it provides students with the best chance to be considered for all available offers. All students are encouraged to enter their general application today to see what opportunities they qualify for.
Students are encouraged to check the system frequently for newly added scholarships and pay close attention to application deadlines. Questions about individual scholarships should be directed to the academic college or office administering the award.
For more information or to apply for scholarships, visit www.scsu.edu/scholarships and click “Sign In” at the top right to access the BAM system using your SC State login credentials.
Important notes:
· The scholarship portal should not be confused with the SC State admission process, including a general application for admissions, the Common App, the Black Common College Application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the University Housing Application.
· It is a student’s responsibility to check back frequently for additional scholarship opportunities that may become available. If students have questions regarding these awards, they should contact the academic college or entity that is awarding the scholarship.
· Award: The amount stated is for general information purposes and not a guarantee of what a student may receive if awarded. Actual award amounts can vary based on recipient eligibility, available funds, and other factors.
· Deadline: The date by which students should complete the General Application, any supplemental applications, or any individual scholarship applications to receive consideration.
· Actions: Upon completion of the General Application and any supplemental applications, students will automatically be matched to scholarships for which they meet the criteria. A list of these scholarships can be found by viewing “Recommended Opportunities” from the Opportunities tab.
· Students are required to submit a new general application each academic year.
The launch of the BAM system aligns with SC State’s broader commitment to college affordability. The university has frozen tuition since 2018 — holding down costs for students and families while expanding access to scholarships, grants and other financial aid.
In 2024, President Alexander Conyers announced a Bulldog Retention Scholarship, supported by a recurring $4.2 million increase in academic scholarship funding, to help returning students with unmet financial needs. And for summer 2025, SC State offered free tuition for rising seniors who had completed at least 81 semester credits, covering up to nine credit hours during the online Summer Session.
