Diversity

At the College of Charleston, we value diversity and embrace differences. Why? Because diversity makes life and learning interesting. It forces us to think beyond our own limited experiences, and approach problems in unique ways. And being part of a diverse environment prepares students for the global marketplace.

At the College, you'll be living and studying with students who represent all 50 states, several U.S. territories, and approximately 70 foreign countries. You'll meet people from different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, beliefs and sexual orientations. People will have ideas that are different from yours. They'll challenge you — and you will grow.

We are specifically looking for students who will enrich our community in a variety of ways. At the College of Charleston, you'll find the people, organizations and resources that will help you thrive. Come visit us, or attend one of our events for interested diverse students.

DIVERSITY BY THE NUMBERS

14 faith-based student organizations on campus

70 countries represented

10 percent Jewish student population

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

• Arabic Club
• Black Student Union
• Baha'i' Club
• National Pan-hellenic Council (NPHC) - fraternities and sororities
• Aya Hwe M'
• Asian Student Association
• Student Union for Multicultural Affairs (SUMA)
• Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity
• Spanish Club
• Jewish Student Union
• Gay-Straight Alliance
• Indian Culture Exchange
• And many more!

CAMPUS RESOURCES

• Multicultural Student Programs and Services
• Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture
• Office of Human Relations and Minority Affairs
• Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World (CLAW)
• Center for Disability Services
• Student Government Association: Campus Diversity Committee
• Women and Gender Studies
• African American Studies
• Center for Jewish Studies
• School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs
• Center for International Education and Programs
• Office of Institutional Diversity

Programs

AALANA Preview Day
At AALANA Preview Day you'll have a chance to meet other diverse students, make connections with current College of Charleston students, talk with faculty and meet our staff. Learn what makes the College of Charleston special, and how we support minority students on campus.

M.O.V.E. Overnights
M.O.V.E., the Multicultural Overnight Visit Experience, is a unique opportunity for minority students to explore the College of Charleston. Students stay overnight with a current student host, learn about academic programs, pre-professional programs, and other opportunities and services for diverse students.

SCAMP (South Carolina Alliance for Minority Participation)
An accelerated summer bridge program for minority students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

SPECTRA Summer Transition Program
SPECTRA is a unique and challenging summer residential program geared for underrepresented and/or first-generation full-time students who will be attending the College of Charleston for the first time in the fall.
 
SPECTRA is not a remedial program, but one that provides you with some of the foundational tools needed to make a smooth transition from high school to college. As a SPECTRA student, you will take college-level classes, which count towards your graduation credits, live on campus, and create a campus support network of students, faculty, and staff. You will learn about the various departments, offices and other campus resources that are available to help you succeed at the College of Charleston.

Senior Project
Senior Project is a summer college preparatory program for rising high school seniors. The program is intended for multicultural and/or first generation students who are interested in attending college. Students take a practice SAT/ACT exam, attend a college class, learn time management and writing skills, and complete an application to the college.

ROAR Scholars - a Student Support Services TRIO Program
ROAR stands for Reach - Overcome - Achieve Results. To be eligible students must be first-generation college student (parents did not earn Bachelor's degrees), low income (as defined by the Federal government), or have a documented disability (includes physical and learning disabilities). The ROAR director, counselor and peer mentors will work closely with the students to ensure they are receiving the assistance they need in the areas of study skills, advising, group study, exposure to cultural events, personal financial education, career counseling and mentoring.

ExCEL Awards and Benefit Program
ExCEL honors students, faculty, staff, and neighborhood groups/agencies/companies and/or individuals that embrace the concept of diversity and enhance multiculturalism — on our campus and in the community.

PARTNERSHIPS

Center for Student Opportunity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting higher education opportunities for first-generation and other underserved college-bound students.

College Summit is a national nonprofit organization that partners with schools and districts to strengthen college-going culture and increase college enrollment rates, so that all students graduate career and college ready.

Upward Bound (sponsored by the College of Charleston since 1975) is a college preparatory program for high school students designed to build the skills and motivation necessary for success in college.

International Bilateral Agreements enable students attending several universities outside the U.S. to attend the College of Charleston.

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS

College of Charleston Financial Aid - Minority Scholarships

Additional Scholarships and Funding sources

National Grants for Minorities, courtesy of Michigan State University

American Association of Affirmative Action - Scholarship Links