Florence, South Carolina – By starting a creative collaboration with Francis Marion University (FMU) that allows high school juniors amass significant college credit before they wear their graduation caps, Florence 1 Schools is pushing new frontiers this year. Called the First College Program, this dual-enrollment project lets students at all three district high schools start their university path early—and at no expense.
Of the four academic paths—Business, Education, Engineering or Pre-Nursing—13 juniors have just completed the first year, accumulating 36 to 38 credit hours. By the time these students cross the stage in spring 2026, they will already be classified as sophomores heading to FMU.
“This program is unique in that each pathway is designed for the students to complete almost all of their prerequisites while in high school,” said Maggie Gause, Florence 1 Schools Director of Student Support Services. “This gives them access to courses in their majors sooner, and they can graduate in three years.”
Enthusiasm among participants is high. Tanner Robinson, a South Florence junior, appreciates the program’s blend of challenge and reward. “What I like about the program is that I can do course work that is rigorous while getting college credit to benefit me in the future,” he says. Looking ahead, the district is already preparing to welcome 22 new juniors this fall.
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Financial perks stack up quickly. Participants get an FMU student ID giving complete access to campus facilities; Florence 1 Schools pays for all tuition, textbooks and fees. Upon successful completion, each student earns a one-time $2,500 scholarship toward FMU. Gause emphasizes that qualifying for South Carolina’s LIFE Scholarship—worth $5,000—could drive a student’s first-year assistance to at least $7,500.
“This is truly a free program—no tuition, no textbook costs—saving families thousands, with tuition alone valued at over $16,000 for 36 credit hours at FMU,” said Gause.
At the moment, Florence 1 Schools is the only district working with FMU on the First College Program. Families wishing to know more may contact Maggie Gause at [email protected] or through the guidance office at their high school. The program is set to change the way local students see higher education given fewer obstacles and increased aspirations.
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