COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), in partnership with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), will host a live studio conversation examining how families across the state are navigating the cost of college. The Palmetto Perspectives education special titled “College Costs: Real Families, Real Stories” will air live from the SCETV studios in Columbia on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. on ETV. Viewers can also watch the broadcast live on the SCETV Education YouTube channel and SCETV Education Facebook page.
The student-centered panel will spotlight the real experiences of South Carolina students and caregivers who are actively funding college through a combination of scholarships, grants, savings plans and loans. By beginning with lived experience rather than policy, the program creates space for families to share what worked, what surprised them and what they wish they had known sooner.
The discussion will highlight the many paths families take to afford college, including local and campus scholarships, support for students who have experienced the loss of a parent, state merit awards such as the LIFE Scholarship, need-based programs, 529 savings plans and federal loans. Financial aid leaders, admissions representatives and higher education experts will serve as audience guests, listening to the panel and offering clarity, context and resources that reflect the realities families face today.
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education serves as the coordinating board for the state’s 33 public institutions of higher learning. The agency partners with colleges and universities to support an effective statewide higher education system while also acting as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly and an advocate for South Carolinians pursuing educational opportunity. The Commission’s work spans academic oversight and licensing, scholarships and financial aid administration, college access initiatives and statewide data and research efforts. Its responsibilities include management and auditing of state scholarship and grant programs such as LIFE, HOPE, Palmetto Fellows and need-based grants, as well as coordinating financial aid literacy training and college access activities.
Jada Samuel, Miss South Carolina 2023, will host the conversation. Samuel earned more than $85,000 in scholarships during her academic career and has led education-focused initiatives reaching thousands of students statewide. Paulia Williams, Gamecock Guarantee Coordinator at the University of South Carolina, will serve as social media correspondent, engaging viewers online and connecting them to additional resources. The Gamecock Guarantee is a need-based financial and academic support program designed to expand access for academically talented first-generation students from South Carolina families.
Additional contributors include representatives from Midlands Technical College and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, as well as scholarship and financial aid professionals who will provide perspectives throughout the discussion.
Members of the public are invited to join the live studio audience during the broadcast and livestream. Registration is required and can be completed online. Viewers outside South Carolina are encouraged to check local public television listings for air dates and times in their area. Viewers can also stream the program at SCETV.org and PBS.org, as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app. Past Palmetto Perspectives episodes are also available to stream on-demand.
QUOTES
“Understanding how to pay for college can feel overwhelming for many families. By elevating real stories and partnering with the Commission on Higher Education, SCETV is creating an informed and accessible conversation that connects South Carolinians with trusted information and practical resources.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"This program aligns with SCETV’s commitment to supporting learners and families at every stage of the education journey. When students and caregivers hear directly from others who are navigating the same decisions, the process becomes more transparent and less intimidating. Pairing those voices with expert insight ensures families leave with a clearer understanding of available options and next steps.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer Dr. Salandra Bowman
Programs like Palmetto Perspectives are incredibly important for providing families and students with valuable information on accessing postsecondary education and training. Often times prospective students will have questions about accessing higher education and are unsure who to approach. This program will serve as another helpful resource for them. CHE staff appreciate the partnership between our agency and SCETV, as it allows for increased opportunities for collaboration and expands our reach as a statewide agency. –CHE Associate Director for Student Affairs Dr. Gerrick Hampton
"Palmetto Perspectives is designed to create space for thoughtful conversations about issues affecting South Carolinians right now. By centering real family experiences and inviting experts to respond in real time, this episode helps turn a complicated topic into practical guidance viewers can use.” –Palmetto Perspectives Producer Leroy Green
FAST FACTS
- College Costs: Real Families, Real Stories will be taped before a live studio audience at SCETV studios in Columbia on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
- Viewers can also watch the broadcast live on the SCETV Education YouTube channel and SCETV Education Facebook page.
- A student-centered panel will spotlight the real experiences of South Carolina students and caregivers who are actively funding college through a combination of scholarships, grants, savings plans and loans.
- Registration is required to join the live studio audience and can be completed online.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education was established in 1967 and serves as the coordinating board for South Carolina’s 33 public institutions of higher learning. In addition to partnering with institutions to deliver an effective statewide higher education system, the CHE acts both as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly, and an advocate for the citizens of South Carolina as they seek opportunities to improve their lives, and those of their families, through higher education.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
