Tech students rally for lottery funding
About 30 students from Aiken Technical College are expected to join hundreds of others from the S.C. technical college system to express their support for lottery tuition assistance funds during an economic downturn.
S.C. Education Lottery revenue is used for a number of state government services, including $900 per semester for eligible students.
The Spartanburg Community College website has posted a flier, describing how the tuition money may be in jeopardy.
"Serious budget issues next year may mean that South Carolina legislators may consider using these funds for something other than assisting technical and community college students with tuition," the flier said.
S.C. Rep. Roland Smith, R-Warrenville and the Aiken County Legislative Delegation chairman, said Monday that lottery officials have indicated that anticipated revenue of about $252 million is expected to be on target.
"I've heard no discussion about the lottery tuition money," Smith said, "and I would be surprised if (a reduction) were to occur. I'm sure there's a lot of fear out there and rightly so. But the money is coming in."
Still, 150 Aiken Technical College students showed up for a meeting on campus about lottery tuition funding last Thursday. They filled out notes on post cards to send to their legislators and heard speeches from several students about being engaged politically, said ATC President Dr. Susan Winsor.
"Lottery tuition assistance has become extremely important for our students to continue their education," she said. "There's no reason to believe that all the funds are locked up."
Among the speakers last week was Student Government Association President Jessica Robatue. Many of her friends and classmates are struggling financially, she said.
"One lady in my class is not able to get some books," Robatue said. "People need the extra boost. As far as our non-traditional students, if they want to make better lives for themselves and their children, it's really important to have the lottery tuition."
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.
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