A generous donor recently established The South Carolina Bluebird Society Scholarship Fund at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA). The annual $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students majoring in biology and in good student standing. Students will be required to comply with the mission statement of the South Carolina Bluebird Society (SCBS) as follows: "The SCBS is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery and conservation of the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity-nesting birds native to South Carolina and elsewhere." Students will assist the SCBS in conducting research on bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds. USC Aiken senior biology major Emelie Alarcon is the first scholarship recipient. "Thanks to this generous scholarship, I can focus more on the most important aspect of school, which is learning," Emelie said. "Because of the SCBS, I have been given the opportunity to extend my passion for wildlife. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to assist in the recovery of the bluebird population."

The university's Honors Program offers academically talented, highly motivated students opportunities for enriched learning experiences both in and outside the classroom. Honors students participate in a unique learning community that enjoys small classes and independent study under the direction of UofSC Aiken's best teacher-scholars in a program that cultivates critical thinking, analysis and creative expression. Honors students have completed at least 20 percent of their academic program in courses designated or related to the Honors program.

University of South Carolina Aiken junior, Ithzel Contreras, was selected for the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The needs-based scholarship, named after the late congressman from New York, gives students the opportunity to study abroad.

Abby Rice receives the Friends of the Aiken County Historical Museum's scholarship.

The University of South Carolina Aiken Alumni Association awarded Legacy Scholarships to several students.

University of South Carolina Aiken Alumni Association awards Involvement Scholarships.