South Carolina CAN Go to College (SC CAN GO), facilitated by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Office of Student Affairs, promotes a college-going culture for students in our state, and also raise needed college access awareness. The primary goal of this campaign is to encourage South Carolina students and families to take an active role in pursuing higher education. The campaign also helps students and families overcome perceived barriers to higher education and provides resources to assist school counselors and education professionals build a college-going culture for all students.
SC CAN GO facilitates three major programs throughout the school year including College Application Month in the fall, FAFSA First to support completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the winter and spring, and College and Career Decision Day to celebrate our graduating seniors each May.
- College Application Month
College Application Month provides a forum for all South Carolina high school seniors to complete and file college applications while receiving the assistance and resources they need to successfully access higher education.
While much of the focus of College Application Month is geared toward first-generation college students and students who may not otherwise apply to college, we encourage participating high schools to include activities for all students, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have already applied to college.
Requirements to host an event are simple: select a date, secure a space in your school or community (computer lab, library, etc.), and use our free materials below to advertise your event to seniors. We will provide the manpower/volunteers. Carolina Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO) and admissions office personnel from our colleges and universities assist in these local school events that fall in your “preferred weeks.”
If you sign up for a date during your preferred weeks (listed on the registration form) no later than June 30, CACRAO and CHE will guarantee college admissions representation at your event!
Additional Information:
- The CHE attempts to limit the number of schools on specific dates to no more than 10 when possible.
- Schools may host your College Application Month event during a half day, whole day, multiple days, or the entire week or month. The length of your program is completely up to you.
- If an assigned week does not align with your school schedule and/or activities, you will have to choose another date outside the assigned week.
- If a school is forced to change/cancel your event, please give the college representatives as much notice as possible. This may allow them to shift resources to another CAM event happening on the same day. In the event of a change, it will be the responsibility of the site coordinator/counselor at the high school to notify the college representatives who are registered to attend your event.
Ready to host a College Application Month event?
College Application Month Student Survey
College Application Month End of Event Results Survey
College Application Month Resources:
- Apply for College (Links to College and University Application Pages)
Visit our Apply for College page for a consolidated list of application pages for all colleges and universities in South Carolina.
- FAFSA First (Formerly College Goal SC)
FAFSA First is an opportunity for ALL students and parents/guardians to receive free assistance while completing and submitting the FAFSA.Similar to College Application Month, schools can select a date, secure a space in the school or community (computer lab, library, etc.), and use the free materials below to advertise their event to families in their community/school. CHE will provide the manpower/volunteers through a partnership with the SC Association for Financial Aid Administrators (SCAFAA), SC Technical College System, SC TRIO Programs, and the SC Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission. Staff from colleges and universities will assist in these local school events.
Ready to host a FAFSA First event?
FAFSA First Resources
- Fall 2026 FAFSA Ready Workshops: Presented by FAFSA Experts. Designed for Your Success
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) will host three one-hour special training sessions featuring key financial aid experts. Each session offers constituents a chance to gain practical tips and clear guidance to better support students and families through the financial aid process. Session dates are:
- September 10: 2:00 - 3:00 pm – Jonathan Rhodes
- September 16: 10:30 - 11:30 am – Tamisha Martin
- September 22: 2:30 - 3:30 pm – Zachary Christian
Additional information is available on the event registration page.
- Virtual College Open Houses: Explore Campuses, Connect with Admissions, Build Your Future
Get ready to explore college from your couch. The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education invites high school sophomores, juniors and seniors across the state to join our Virtual College Open House Series — a front-row seat to campus life, academic programs, and everything in between. All events are held virtually from 5:00 - 5:45 pm
Follow the links below to attend:
August
September
October
November
Visit our Virtual College Open House page for additional information.
- South Carolina College and Career Decision Day Rally at the State House (May)
Each year, CHE hosts a statewide College and Career Decision Day rally. This rally invites seniors from all over the state to celebrate and recognize students who have committed to attend any college, university, community college, vocational or training program, join the military, or enter the workforce.
Registration for College and Career Decision Day at the State House:
CCDD Lookbook:
- College and Career Decision Day Toolkit (School-Based Events)
The what, why, when and how of College and Career Decision Day
College and Career Decision Day is a high school and community-based event to celebrate the college decision of a graduating high school senior and also build a positive college-going culture for younger students in South Carolina high schools. Events can take many forms, but in general it is an opportunity to celebrate the academic accomplishments of graduating high school seniors and allow younger students an opportunity to experience the excitement of making a college decision. The events are designed to be impactful, but with minimal cost to the schools.
Why should our school have a decision day event?
College Decision Day South Carolina events help to reinforce the idea that excellence in the classroom, and the decision of any student to attend college, should be given as much pomp and circumstance as high school athletes receive for their college decisions. Every student deserves to receive attention and recognition for making their college choice, whether they are going to college to be a student or a student athlete. College Decision Day Events seek to share this excitement for ALL students going to college or beginning a career.
When should our school have a decision day event?
The month of May will be designated as College and Career Decision Month in South Carolina. Schools are encouraged to hold events throughout the months of April and May as high school graduation approaches.
Signing day event ideas:
Get students involved in the planning process—they know how to best inspire and engage their peers. Invite parents and families to join the fun.
- Bring in outside speakers, like local celebrities, influential community members or prominent alumni
- Celebrate with a citywide picnic, party or carnival.
- Expand an existing school celebration that honors graduates.
- Encourage sharing on social media with hashtags prominently displayed at the event (#DecisionDaySC).
College and Career Decision Day Toolkit for Individual Events
- CHE College Process Ambassador Program
Visit our CHE College Process Ambassador Program page.