Class of 2026 earns over $186 million in scholarships ahead of commencement
This week, 2,071 seniors from Richland School District Two will don their caps and gowns to celebrate their high school graduations and an impressive collective achievement: earning a combined $186,747,100 in college scholarship offers. As Richland Two celebrates its Centennial year, this graduating class holds a special place in district history as the Class of 2026 marks 100 years of excellence, achievement, and service to students and the community.
Thanks to these substantial awards, many graduates are receiving significant financial assistance as they transition to higher education. District officials, families, and the community will honor these students during commencement ceremonies taking place Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.
Commencement Ceremony Schedule
Tuesday, May 19
- 1:00 p.m. – Blythewood High School
- 5:00 p.m. – Ridge View High School
Wednesday, May 20
- 8:00 a.m. – Richland Northeast High School
- 11:00 a.m. – Westwood High School
- 2:00 p.m. – Spring Valley High School
The $186.7 million in scholarship funding is distributed across the district's five high schools as follows:
- Blythewood High School: $41,820,020
- Richland Northeast High School: $29,100,500
- Ridge View High School: $41,159,850
- Spring Valley High School: $40,576,050
- Westwood High School: $34,090,680
This graduating class also includes 21 standout students who have earned their high school diplomas and a college degree simultaneously.
Four years ago, these students enrolled in the Richland Two AVID Early College program housed at Ridge View High School. This week, they are receiving Associate of Arts degrees from district partner University of South Carolina-Sumter. By completing this program, the students saved at least $25,376 in tuition per student, representing a collective savings of $532,896.
The Richland Two AVID Early College program, now in its sixth year, is available each year exclusively to rising 8th-grade students across the district through an application and acceptance process.
For more information about the district and its programs, please visit www.richland2.org.