Helen Stokes Memorial Scholarship

In 1956, the Helen Stokes Memorial Scholarship Fund was launched to honor Helen Stokes, the then South Carolina State President. Instead of a traditional farewell gift, Helen proposed establishing a scholarship to support South Carolina high school seniors aspiring to become teachers. Her vision came to life with a generous matching contribution from her husband, Dr. J. Howard Stokes Sr.

For over 50 years, this fund has been a stepping stone for countless South Carolina students, providing scholarships to help cover their education costs. It's a beacon for those pursuing post-secondary education in their chosen fields..

The fund thrives on contributions from Honorary Life Service awards, the SCPTA Spirit of PTA Award, local unit donations, memorials, sponsorships, and corporate gifts. The number of scholarships awarded each year depends on the total funds raised.

The SCPTA board of directors oversees the fund, ensuring its smooth operation and the fair distribution of scholarships. Through this scholarship, the legacy of Helen Stokes continues to inspire and support the next generation of South Carolina students.

Helen Stokes Scholarship Application

Eligibility

• Scholarship applicant must be a senior at a South Carolina high school.
• Applicant must be a South Carolina resident for at least one (1) year.
• Applicants will be judged on the following criteria: PTA involvement, academic record (including ACT/SAT scores), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and an essay.
• Recipients must plan to attend an accredited college and/or post-secondary education program in South Carolina.
• Scholarship is for one (1) year, payable Fall Semester only.
• The Helen Stokes Scholarship committee shall review all applications and shall have full authority to grant scholarships. All decisions of the committee are final.
• All applications must contain a signature of sponsorship from a local PTA/PTSA that is in good standing with the SCPTA. (If an applicant attends a high school without a PTA, the student may be sponsored by any elementary, middle, or junior high school, which is considered a feeder school of that high school.)
• The PTA/PTSA recommending the applicant must contribute at least $25.00 per applicant before April 1, 2024 to the Helen Stokes Memorial Fund. The sponsoring PTA/PTSA unit must be in good standing with the SCPTA.
• The Helen Stokes Memorial Scholarship Fund application form is available on the SCPTA website at www.scpta.org (Forms >> Awards, Grants, & Scholarships).