The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce through a partnership with Robert Bosch, LLC, three high school graduates from Dorchester County will receive scholarships this year. 

This scholarship program is an initiative of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Division. Its  mission is to improve our workforce and meet the challenges of global competition and rapidly evolving technology.

Prachi Patel, of St. George, is the recipient of a $500.00 Technical College Scholarship. She will attend Trident Technical College in the fall the pursue a career as a dental hygienist. 

Carson Shaw, of Summerville, is the recipient of a $1,000.00 STEM Scholarship. She will attend the University of South Carolina-Upstate and study exercise science. 

Samson Mellott, of Summerville, is the recipient of a $1,000.00 STEM Scholarship. He will attend Clemson University in the fall to study engineering. 

“Student loans would have been a big thing for me,” Shaw said upon learning she was awarded the renewable scholarship. “I would have to take out quite a bit of money.  This is a big help.” 

In 2008 the GSDCCC began raising funds for scholarships.  In 2011 Robert Bosch, LLC joined as a co-sponsor and the first scholarships were given that year.  Since then, the Chamber and Bosch have raised roughly $70,000 in funds designated for scholarships.  To date, 71 scholarships have been granted. When students maintain their GPA, the scholarships are renewed for additional years.

“Giving back to the community really is important to us, especially in the field of STEM,”  Doreen Poehlitz, Director of Human Resources at Bosch explained. “Helping the future generations be able to develop those skills that will benefit the world is important.”

Factors considered when deciding on recipients for the scholarship program include academics, need, school, community and civic involvement, work ethic and college ability.

A portion of the scholarships is also funded by Chamber members that have opted to “uplift” their annual membership dues. Members can "uplift" their dues and contribute 10% over the cost of their annual membership and support the scholarship program. So far this year, 231 members have contributed.