GSSM earns first place in inaugural FAFSA First Challenge
GSSM earns first place in inaugural FAFSA First Challenge
HARTSVILLE, S.C. — The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics has earned first place in the 3A classification of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education’s inaugural FAFSA First Challenge, recognizing GSSM’s work to help students access financial aid opportunities as they prepare for college.
GSSM earned the top spot with an 87.33% FAFSA completion rate among members of the Class of 2026.
The achievement was celebrated Sept. 29 as Kathy Rollins and Alantis Seckal of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education’s Office of Student Affairs presented the first-place banner to GSSM’s Office of College Counseling.
The FAFSA First Challenge was created to increase completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid among South Carolina high school seniors. FAFSA serves as a gateway to federal grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and other forms of financial aid that can help make higher education more accessible.
“This achievement is a reflection of the work our College Counseling team does every day. Their commitment to our students and families helps ensure our Govies are prepared to take the next step in their educational journeys,” said Danny Dorsel, President of GSSM.
“Our philosophy of college counseling at GSSM is centered on guiding students and families to discover the best 'fit' school across three critical areas: academics, social environment, and financial viability. Understanding that financial fit is ultimately a family decision, we emphasize the importance of determining college affordability. Utilizing the FAFSA can significantly help students make informed choices and ease the financial burden of higher education,” said Michelle Harter, Director of College Counseling & Advising.
At GSSM, the Office of College Counseling works with students throughout the college planning process, helping Govies explore opportunities, navigate applications, and understand financial aid options. The FAFSA First Challenge recognition reflects that ongoing work to ensure students have the information and resources they need as they plan for life after GSSM.
GSSM’s first-place finish follows another FAFSA milestone earlier this year. The school was named the 3A Early Bird Award winner after reaching an 84% FAFSA completion rate by Feb. 1.
Across South Carolina, 24,333 FAFSA applications were submitted by members of the Class of 2026, representing a statewide completion rate of 43.73%, according to the Commission on Higher Education. The statewide rate increased 4.43 percentage points from the previous year.
The FAFSA First Challenge is administered by the commission’s College Access Team as part of College Goal SC, an annual campaign that supports FAFSA completion at schools across the state.
About GSSM
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics is a public, residential high school in Hartsville serving students from across South Carolina. GSSM provides advanced educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while preparing students for college, careers and leadership opportunities.
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