In an effort to bring his vision of supporting fellow attorneys through continuing legal education to life, Ronnie Cole partnered with the South Carolina Bar Foundation to establish the Cole Scholarship Fund. The fund provides financial assistance to attorneys who may have difficulty affording their required CLE credits. Priority is given to public service attorneys, particularly those currently working with—or previously employed by—Foundation grantees.
Ronnie M. Cole
CLE Scholarship
Scholarship Overview
“I am very appreciative of what I have and credit a great deal of my success to the education that I received through various CLE courses. I want to be able to help attorneys who could use some assistance in getting the continued education they need. This economy has presented the profession with issues we have not seen before. Many of our colleagues are struggling. This is just one way that I can help.” – Ronnie Cole
Please review the rules and regulations for the Ronnie M. Cole Scholarship Fund before completing the application. While applications are accepted year-round, we encourage you to submit your application within four weeks of the seminar, if possible.
What do the scholarships cover?
The fund will provide tuition assistance on a sliding scale basis depending on the applicant’s income with parttime employees receiving a pro rata share of the percentage.
Income Guidelines for Scholarship Coverage:
- $35,000 and below: Scholarship covers 100%
- $35,001 – $45,000: Scholarship covers 75%
- $45,001 – $60,000: Scholarship covers 50%
- Above $60,000: Scholarship covers 25%
A limited number of scholarships are available each year based on the rolling average of the fund balance. CLE scholarships will not exceed 14 credit hours in any MCLE compliance period. Once approved for a CLE program scholarship, the recipient is required to attend the CLE program specified on their application unless the program has been cancelled.
If you are unable to attend the CLE program, you may provide an explanation as to why the course was not completed. The Scholarship Committee may grant a 12-month extension for the use of the scholarship. If, after the extension, the funds are not used as entrusted, the funds will be returned to the Fund for future use. In the event the CLE program is cancelled, you will be invited to submit a new application for a different program.
Expenses related to SC Bar CLE-sponsored social events, travel, hotel accommodations, and meals are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient. For meetings that receive a higher-than-average number of scholarship applications, the number of scholarships awarded may be limited.
Who is eligible for a scholarship?
Any member of the South Carolina Bar who is in good standing, resides in South Carolina, and is a practicing attorney is eligible to apply for a scholarship, provided they can demonstrate sufficient financial need that prevents them from affording a specific CLE course. Applicants should be aware that the Scholarship Committee gives preference to attorneys who are currently employed by, or have previously worked with, a South Carolina Bar Foundation grantee. Please note that individuals who have already registered for a CLE course are not eligible for scholarship consideration.
Cole Scholarships are valid only for South Carolina Bar CLE programs, unless otherwise specified.
