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SUPPORTING SERVICES
THROUGHOUT THE STATE
What is the Rural Rehabilitation Scholars Program?
This is a scholarship program funded by a long-term
federal grant awarded to the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the
University of South Carolina. Its purpose is to increase the number of
professional rehabilitation counselors who serve persons with severe
disabilities in rural areas of the state.
What do the scholarships provide?
Scholarships pay for all the students’ tuition, a
stipend of up to $400 per month to assist with living expenses, and a
nominal amount to defray the cost of attending educational conferences.
The stipend amount is adjusted for part-time scholars.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Scholars must have a Bachelor’s degree from an
accredited undergraduate program (any major) and meet the admission
requirements for the master’s degree program in rehabilitation
counseling. The admissions criteria include GRE scores, undergraduate
GPA, relevant experience, and personal attributes. Because admission is
competitive, there are no specific cut-off scores. However, students
usually have a combined GRE score of 1500 (quantitative + verbal +
analytical) or higher, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and some relevant
volunteer or work experience. In addition, the scholarship recipients
cannot be in default of payment of any student loans. There is no income
or other financial means test.
Are there any obligations associated with the scholarships?
Yes. Recipients must agree to work in a government or
other not-for-profit program serving persons with disabilities who live
in rural areas. They must commit to working with a rural caseload two
years for each academic year of support received. Ordinarily this
amounts to a maximum 4-year commitment. If recipients fail to fulfill
the employment obligation, they must pay back the scholarship monies.
Where are the rural areas?
In South Carolina, virtually every county has rural
areas which meet the requirements. Even many agency or program offices
located in major metropolitan areas serve persons in the surrounding
countryside and small rural communities who have unique needs. The
thrust of this project is to improve services to the rural population
irrespective of where the program operates from.
What do rehabilitation counselors do?
Rehabilitation Counselors are professionals who assist persons with severe
disabilities in attaining their potential in such areas as employment
and independent living, and in general, to assist them in coping with
their disability.
Where do rehabilitation counselors work?
Most work for state agencies such as the Departments
of Vocational Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Disabilities and
Disabilities and Special Needs and the Commission for the Blind. Others
work in addictions programs and other not-for-profit human service
agencies. There are opportunities in the for-profit sector, but
generally, these do not meet the scholarship payback provisions.
Tell me about the master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
It is a 48 credit
professional degree (M.R.C.) that can be obtained in five consecutive
semesters by full-time students. The curriculum consists of both
classroom course work and field experiences. Content covers counseling
theories and skills, vocational/career counseling, functional
assessment, and medical and psychosocial aspects of disabilities. The
last semester consists of a full-time internship. Scholars will be
expected to choose elective courses relevant to rural populations, to
complete an internship working with a rural caseload, and to attend
educational conferences dealing with rural issues. Some courses are
being adapted to an Internet-based distance education format, which will
enable their completion at home or office.
Are there any other scholarships available?
Yes. The University of South Carolina Rehabilitation
Counseling Program has a similar scholarship program established to
increase the number of professionals trained to serve persons with
psychiatric disabilities.
or you may speak to a faculty
member by calling (803) 434-4296
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