From left to right: Don Bent, USC Upstate Executive in Residence, USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie Harris, and Christopher Taylor, USC Upstate Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and Chief of Staff; George and Susu Johnson announce the scholarship; Converse College President Dr. Boone Hopkins, Wofford President Nayef Samhat, Presbyterian College President Anita Gustafson, and President of Spartanburg Methodist College Scott Cochran join Chancellor Bennie Harris in congratulating USC Upstate; Chancellor Bennie Harris, former Mayor of the City of Spartanburg Bill Barnett, Executive Director of the Meeting Street Scholarship Josh Bell, Founder of the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund Ben Navarro and his wife Kelly, Susu Johnson, Justin Joyner, Meeting Street Scholarship recipient, and George Dean Johnson, Jr.
The University of South Carolina Upstate is proud to announce its inclusion as an eligible institution for the Meeting Street Scholarship, opening the door for Spartanburg County high school students to access transformative educational opportunities.
This scholarship enables students to pursue higher education at USC Upstate or one of 18 other participating colleges and universities across the state, ensuring that local students have a range of choices for their academic future.
The scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year to help cover academic related costs, including tuition, housing and food.
The announcement was made on Nov. 14 during an event held at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, where local community leaders, educators, and students gathered to celebrate this milestone.
Meeting Street Academy students played a key role in welcoming attendees, further demonstrating the commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.
USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie Harris, Ph.D. shared his enthusiasm for the initiative.
“This partnership aligns with our mission to provide a pathway for students to achieve their dreams,” Harris said. “USC Upstate is committed to supporting the aspirations of Spartanburg County’s future leaders, and we are honored to be part of this impactful program.”
Philantropists and scholarship donors Susu and George Dean Johnson, Jr. spoke about the dedication of those who help students achieve their academic dreams.
“I’m thrilled about this day and want to give a special shout out to the counselors and school staff who will play a crucial role in helping students navigate the scholarship process,” Susu said.
“It’s often the classroom teachers and counselors who don’t receive enough recognition for their hard work, and today, I want to make sure they know how much they’re appreciated. I ask for your continued support in helping any student who wants to pursue higher education. Thank you for your dedication to their future.”
With this designation, USC Upstate reaffirms its dedication to developing academic success and serving as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of local students.
By participating in the Meeting Street Scholarship program, the university continues to strengthen its bond with the Spartanburg community, helping ensure that the region’s youth have the resources they need to thrive. USC Upstate extends its heartfelt gratitude to Susu and George Dean Johnson, Jr. for their unwavering support and extraordinary generosity, highlighted by this transformative $40 million donation.
For more information about the Meeting Street Scholarship and eligibility criteria, visit https://meetingstreetscholarshipfund.org/