Florence 1 Schools Offers First College Program through Partnership with FMU

A program in Florence 1 Schools is preparing students at all three high schools to enter college with significant credits already earned.  Through a partnership with Francis Marion University (FMU), high school juniors are earning college credit at no cost, and they will enter FMU as sophomores when they graduate from high school next year.

The program, known as the First College Program, offers a dual enrollment opportunity for students who plan to attend Francis Marion University after graduation.  This year, 13 juniors are completing their first year in the program. In Fall 2025, 22 rising juniors will begin as the second cohort of the First College Program.

“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.”

Tanner Robinson is a junior at South Florence who is in the First College Program. “What I like about the program,” said Tanner, “is that I can do course work that is rigorous while getting college credit to benefit me in the future.”

Wilson’s Prianna Giles said, “I like the First College program because it gives me a chance to earn college credits while I'm still in high school. It helps me feel more prepared for college and saves time and money later."

According to Gause, First College Program students can choose from four academic pathways: Business, Education, Engineering, or Pre-Nursing and participants will earn 36–38 college credit hours toward a bachelor's degree.

Both Caitlynn Kelly, a junior at West Florence High School and her mother Jennifer Kelly expressed their opinions regarding the First College Program.  "I like the program because it gives me more opportunities to begin college early and be prepared to enter college after high school,” said Caitlynn Kelly. "The First College program will allow Caitlynn to get a jumpstart on her college education. Caitlynn has an interest in pursuing a master's degree in the healthcare profession, and this will help cut down on the total amount of time she will have to spend working towards this goal,” added Jennifer Kelly.

Through the program, Florence 1 Schools provides all books and materials, and students receive a Francis Marion University ID, granting access to university facilities. Upon completion, students receive a one-time, non-renewable $2,500 scholarship to Francis Marion.

 “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,” maintained Gause. 

 Gause also outlined additional financial benefits to parents of students participating in the program.  “One-time scholarships are available to students who complete the program with a 3.0 GPA or higher—$2,500. If a student is a LIFE Scholarship recipient upon graduation, that’s another $5,000. That means these students, in their first year, could start with a minimum of $7,500 covered. That is a huge savings,” she added.

“It is a great opportunity,” said South Florence First College program participant Hailey Hart.

Currently Florence 1 Schools is the only district offering the First College Program through Francis Marion University.  For more information contact Maggie Gause (mgause@f1s.org, 843-673-1109) or contact your local high school guidance department.

Upcoming cohort students from South Florence, West Florence and Wilson are pictured below.