The S.C. Commission on Higher Education kicked off its statewide college application campaign at Andrew Jackson High School, with hundreds of similar events planned through November.
Based on a release from S.C. Commission on Higher Education.
KERSHAW, S.C. — South Carolina’s 2026 College Application Season officially opened Aug. 19 as students at Andrew Jackson High School took part in the first of hundreds of events planned at schools across the state this fall, according to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education.
The annual campaign, led by the Commission on Higher Education, brings counselors, college representatives and other resources directly to high schools to help seniors explore their educational options and navigate the college application process, according to the commission.
CHE partnered with Lancaster County School District to host this year’s statewide kickoff event, which began with more than 100 seniors entering through a spirit tunnel formed by the school’s cheer squad, color guard and band, along with guests and administrators. Students then received one-on-one assistance with college applications from school counselors and representatives from colleges and universities, according to the commission.
“Helping our students see and pursue the opportunities available to them after high school is an important part of our work,” said Dr. Norris Williams, Lancaster County School District superintendent. “We are grateful to the Commission on Higher Education for partnering with us and for bringing college representatives directly to our students. This event gave our seniors an opportunity to take that next step with confidence and support.”
CHE President and Executive Director Dr. L Jeffrey Perez told students their participation marked the beginning of both their personal college application journey and a larger statewide effort. In 2025, a record 256 South Carolina high schools registered to participate in the campaign, according to the commission. More than 17,700 seniors were documented participating in events at schools that submitted final reports, completing more than 37,000 college applications.
“Filling out a college application is one of the first things you’re doing as adults. It’s an important responsibility that you’re taking,” Perez said. “Don’t think you have to make all the decisions now. Fill out the application. Figure out where you want to go and start yourself on a path. You don’t know where your path is going to go, but how can you prepare yourself? That’s by going to college, and that journey starts today.”
South Carolina Rep. Keishan Scott and South Carolina Sen. Allen Blackmon also spoke at the event, according to the commission.
College Application Season runs from August through November, with school-based events offering one-on-one application assistance from counselors, college representatives and teachers. Last year, 47 South Carolina public and independent colleges provided application fee waivers during the campaign, according to the commission.
Key campaign partners include the Carolina Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and ACT, one of the state’s standardized testing agencies. The registrars’ association helps maximize the number of college representatives at events, while ACT helps recognize schools for performance, according to the commission.
Each year, a School of Excellence is recognized for demonstrating consistency or significant improvement in student participation and success in the program, along with meeting data reporting deadlines. The winner for the 2025-26 cycle will receive the award at a college application event this fall, according to the commission. A complete list of participating schools for the 2026 campaign is available on the SC CAN GO web page.
Source: S.C. Commission on Higher Education original release.
