james f. byrnes foundation scholarships

The James. F. Byrnes Scholarships,
Building South Carolina Leaders

Seldom does a man significantly affect the world around him during a lifetime. A remarkably fewer number continue to influence other lives after their own passing. One of these remarkable men was James Francis Byrnes, South Carolina's most distinguished citizen.

His career in public service is well documented in the history of the 20th century. When one looks at his brilliant career in public service, it becomes even more remarkable that he said on many occasions that the most rewarding thing that he and Mrs. Byrnes ever did in their long lives was to start the James F. Byrnes Foundation, which has provided the means and the inspiration for hundreds of South Carolina's young men and women to achieve college educations. His legacy is continued in the lives of these men and women who proudly bear the designation Byrnes Scholars.

In 1949 the scholarship award was $500 per year. Now the amount is $3,250 and is renewable annually for as many as four years if the student is making satisfactory progress towards a degree. To date, over $3,500,000 has been spent on scholarships and student activities. Despite these impressive figures, Byrnes Scholarships are not simply cash awards. Other benefits include a summer luncheon, fall dinners, and a weekend retreat at Garden City Beach, SC, in the spring.

In 1964, a separate voluntary organization was formed by recipients of Byrnes Foundation Scholarships and functions as a supporting arm to the Foundation. More than 1,000 James F. Byrnes Scholarships have been awarded since 1949 -- young men and women who constitute a living memorial to "Mom" and "Pop" Byrnes. There are usually about 40 Byrnes Scholars attending the college of their choice during a given year.