Program to aid rural students

WALTERBORO — A new scholarship program is designed to help rural Colleton County youths.

The "Youth Without Borders Foundation" program was founded by Ken Williams, a former standout Ruffin High School graduate; his wife, Dr. Emilia Williams; and the Colleton County School district.

The Williamses hope to see students in the rural community exposed to educational opportunities extending beyond their neighborhoods.

To provide extra support, the couple established the scholarship program and convinced business partners and Clemson University to sponsor a minimum of eight students to annually attend Clemson's Summer Camp program, according to the principal and staff at Ruffin Middle School.

"We are happy to announce an upcoming scholarship and financial assistance program (for) the youth here at Ruffin Middle School and the Colleton County School district," Harry Jenkins, principal at Ruffin Middle, said.

Ken Williams, a 1985 Ruffin High grad and a 1989 Citadel grad, said in a press release that he realized "that all students have the ability to reach their fullest potential given the opportunity to be exposed to new environments and new learning experiences."

He said Youth Without Borders is a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships and financial assistance to students and their families, for creating unique leadership and new learning experiences.

Eligibility criteria include a GPA of C or better; extracurricular activities; exemplary behavior; a show of leadership potential; school attendance; letters of recommendation from teachers, pastors and mentors and an essay.

For more information, e-mail Jenkins at hjenkins@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us, or call 843-562-2291, or 843-562-2121.