1967 Legacy Program

Overview

A group of graduates from the Legacy Program standing next to Director Valerie Frazier at a graduation.

The 1967 Legacy Program is a 4-year immersive scholarship program open to all first-year students and centered on African American history, Gullah Geechee culture, and the experiences and contributions of African Americans to the College of Charleston and beyond. The program includes academic study, cultural enrichment, experiential learning, peer mentoring, and pre-professional mentoring and leadership development.

Apply to become a Legacy Scholar

Required courses include:

  • FYSU 121: 1967 Legacy and Beyond: Reflections on Desegregation
  • ENGL 110/111: Intro to Academic Writing
  • AAST 100: Intro to African American Studies
  • AFST 101: Intro to African Studies
  • Capstone: currently exists as a not-for-credit experience with plans to propose as a course in the future

Eligibility

All first year students are eligible. Cohort recruitment takes place during the summer, during which time most new cohort members are expected to be selected from students participating in the SPECTRA summer experience. Space permitting, additional scholars enrolled in FYSU 121 may be accepted into the program during the fall semester. A cohort typically consists of 10 students. Apply to become a Legacy Scholar.

History

The 1967 Legacy Program was envisioned by Dr. Valerie Frazier, a College of Charleston alum and faculty member. With the support of campus leadership and generous donors, the College welcomed the inaugural cohort of Legacy Scholars in fall 2021. As the founding director, Dr. Frazier established the program's ethos of excellence and experience. 

Legacy Scholars are well-rounded students representing a range of majors, interests, and talents. In addition to this program, many Legacy Scholars are Honors students, student-athletes, visual and performing artists, and leaders in campus clubs, sororities, and fraternities. Most Legacy Scholars have participated in study abroad, mentored research, internships, or other selective leadership programs at the College. The 1967 Legacy Program has graduated 18 Legacy Scholars. 

Each year, the graduating Legacy Scholars plan a capstone project that will leave a lasting impact at the College of Charleston. In 2025, the seniors dedicated benches to some of the College's African American trailblazers. In 2026, the seniors were instrumental in developing the Hidden Histories Club, a student club dedicated to learning and sharing untold stories about the campus.

Leadership for 2026-2027

The 1967 Legacy Program is housed in the Office of Community Engagement.

 

Become a Legacy Scholar

Scholarships at Work

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