Sumter
W.I.S.E Way Sumter Chapter
In 2016, NFL rookie Mariel "Cooper" Wise founded the #WeBall4Destin Foundation in memory of his late brother, Destin, to empower the youth of Sumter County, SC. After seven years of providing over $30,000 in scholarships and community support, the foundation rebranded as W.I.S.E Way. Today, the Sumter Chapter upholds that legacy by empowering students across four key areas: Wellness, Inspiration, Sports, and Engineering. We organize various community events and provide scholarships, while also paving the way for careers in civil engineering by connecting students with industry mentors and providing them with hands-on projects and the knowledge to explore all the industry has to offer.
Destin Jermar Wise Memorial Scholarship Application
This award is given in honor of Destin Jermar Wise, a graduate of Sumter High School, who was a two-sport athlete with plans to join the United States Air Force and attend The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Destin passed away on June 14, 2015, following his high school graduation, due to injuries from an automobile accident in Sumter.
The scholarship award is:
$1,000 and can be used for tuition and fees, room and board, and books. The award will be made payable directly to the institution of higher learning.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
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Be a student-athlete with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
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Be attending a high school in Sumter, South Carolina.
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Plan to enroll as a first-time freshman in an institution of higher learning in any state.
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The scholarship is to be used in the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
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Children of board members of W.I.S.E Way are not eligible to apply.
Application Deadline
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All applications must be filed with W.I.S.E Way on or before February 6, 2026.
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The scholarship recipient will be contacted in April.
TESTIMONIALS
Yanah Lucus - Benedict College (2019 Scholarship Award Winner)
The Destin Wise Scholarship has helped me in many ways through my first semester of college. I knew that transitioning to college would be difficult. Being in a new and different environment was something that I knew was going to take time to get used too. The foundation and my mentor helped eased my mind in different ways. Being able to text and call whenever I wanted helped me out a lot. I was checked on at least every two weeks by my mentor to see how I was adjusting and holding up as a new college student. I was given a gift basket full of goodies to last me for a little while. That really came in handy, and I was very appreciative. The stipend and winning this scholarship are just a blessing. The foundation just show a mass amount of love and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m blessed to be able to represent this foundation.
Abraham Temoney III - Erskine College (2019 Scholarship Award Winner)
"The Destin Wise Scholarship has greatly benefited me during my first semester. It helped me to be able to purchase books as well as anything else that I needed. The basket had many necessities that I found helpful and were able to make great use of. Also being able to talk to my mentor (Mariel) about anything at anytime really helped to know I had someone rooting for me. Thank you all for everything!"
Niaya Singleton - USC Upstate (2017 Scholarship Award Winner)
"This scholarship has been nothing but beneficial to me as far as having those funds for school purchases as well as personal necessities and the occasional fast food meal in between studying. After paying tuition, my funds are little to none. However, with this scholarship I was able to keep enough funds in my account to get by each month. The gift basket given to me before I started school in August was also greatly appreciated. The items contained in the basket were plenty, and lasted me until the start of this semester. It was a great way of allowing me to have what I need and learn exactly what to get for next semester. I thank each and every individual that had a part in providing me with everything. There is nothing i can complain about what you all are doing. I appreciate everything."
Upcoming Events
Do It BIG 7on7 TournamentDate and time is TBDLocation is TBD
Destin Jermar Wise Memorial Golf ClassicDate and time is TBDLocation is TBD
W.I.S.E Way - Carolinas Dream Team
Join the W.I.S.E Way Team: We are looking for 10 dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. As a volunteer, you will be instrumental in helping us reach our goals and make a direct impact in our community. If you are interested in giving back and being part of our team, click the button below to start the volunteer process.
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Want to get involved and support the future engineers in The Carolina's?
Question?
For questions on the W.I.S.E Way Carolina's Chapter, please contact Delyssa Wise at info@wise-way.org or XXX-XXX-XXX.