Jim ’87 and Julee Kaplan believe deeply in the power of education to change lives — and they know that access to higher education can be life-changing for students across South Carolina. That belief has inspired them to issue a powerful challenge to the Clemson Family: a $2.5 million dollar-for-dollar match to create and grow need-based scholarships for South Carolina students.
Through the Pickens County Promise: Kaplan Scholars Challenge, every dollar given to support Clemson University need-based scholarships for South Carolina students will be matched by the Kaplans — up to $2.5 million. The Kaplans will match donations to any need-based scholarship fund for South Carolina residents by giving the same amount to the Kaplan Family Scholarship Endowment for students in Pickens County, multiplying the impact for students across the state and at home.
This new challenge builds upon the Kaplans’ recent $2.5 million Academic Cornerstone gift to Clemson University, which established the Kaplan Family Scholarship Endowment. The endowment provides need-based, Universitywide scholarships for students who are residents of Pickens County — extending the Kaplans’ deep commitment to creating access and opportunity for students in their home community and across South Carolina.
Coupled with the Pickens County Promise: Kaplan Scholarship Challenge, the Kaplans’ total impact for need-based scholarships for South Carolina students will be $7.5M – with at least $5M of that going toward Pickens County scholarships.
“The need for scholarship support is great, especially here in our own backyard,” said Jim Kaplan. “Julee and I have seen firsthand the talent and determination of students in Pickens County and across South Carolina. We want to make sure financial need never stands in the way of their opportunity.”
Each year, Pickens County students face more than $6 million in financial need – and nearly $3 million remains unmet. This scholarship challenge has the power to close that gap and open doors for future leaders.
Since moving to the Upstate in 1993, the Kaplans have been committed to giving back to their community. Their latest challenge reflects both their gratitude for the education that shaped their own lives and the lives of their children, as well as their dedication to expanding opportunity for future generations.
“Jim and Julee Kaplan have created more than just a Challenge for the Clemson Family – the have made a commitment to students in Pickens County, and they have honored the will of our founder, Thomas Green Clemson, through transforming lives.”
University President Jim Clements
“Clemson University was founded in 1889 as a ‘high seminary of learning,’ with the purpose of education, research and service. The Kaplans’ gift and the Pickens County Promise: Kaplan Scholarship Challenge helps us continue meeting our mission and invites the next generation of donors and philanthropists, from all levels of giving, to support future generations of Tigers. I am grateful to the Kaplans for their incredible generosity and can’t wait to see how the Clemson Family rises to the occasion,” said Clemson University President Jim Clements.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to double your impact — and to help students right here at home and across the state,” said Brian O’Rourke, Vice President for Advancement, Clemson University. “The Kaplans’ generosity will open doors for countless students who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue their dreams. The Kaplans are our newest Academic Cornerstone Trailblazers, and we are all inspired by the Kaplans’ dedication to making a difference for others.”
The Kaplans hope their challenge inspires others to join them in supporting need-based scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent a deserving student from earning a Clemson degree.
Join the Challenge. Double your impact. Empower South Carolina students across the state — and in Pickens County.
To learn how you can be part of this challenge, please reach out to Kelly Cloyd at kellyu@clemson.edu.
