The Archibald Rutledge Scholarship program, named for South Carolina’s first poet laureate, offers twelfth-grade students (enrolled in a public school in South Carolina) the opportunity to compete for a scholarship in creative writing, dance, music, theatre, or visual arts as well as encourages and recognizes academic and artistic excellence among South Carolina students.
Scholarship Details
- Five scholarships of approximately $2,000 each
- Scholarships must be used at a South Carolina college or university
- Focus on creative writing, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts
- Applications available in October
- Submission deadline: February 2nd, by 5:00 p.m. (delivered or postmarked)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a twelfth-grade student enrolled in a South Carolina public school
- Plan to attend a South Carolina college or university
- Must be a U.S. citizen and have attended public school in South Carolina for the past two years
- Can only apply for one scholarship
- Entries must be original compositions created during the current school year
Application Process
- Choose one arts discipline (creative writing, dance, music, theatre, or visual arts) for submission
- Access the application and detailed criteria for the chosen discipline online starting in October
- Prepare and submit the required original composition and supporting documentation
- Deliver or mail the completed application to the South Carolina Department of Education by the deadline
The South Carolina Department of Education will make the necessary arrangements to transfer the scholarship funds directly to the South Carolina college or university of the student’s choice. Students planning to attend an out-of-state college or university are ineligible to apply. The recipients may also be recognized by their local schools/school districts.
