April 26, 2016, Florence, S.C. — First Reliance Bank is now accepting applications for its annual Francis Marion Scholarship through May 31, 2016. The First Reliance Bank Scholarship recognizes and assists outstanding students who are pursuing a degree in business or finance. Administered through the Francis Marion University Foundation, the scholarship program has been helping area-wide students to meet their academic financial obligations since 2010. “First Reliance Bank believes in encouraging continuous personal improvement and the Francis Marion scholarship program is one way that we can make a difference with our community's youth,” said Rick Saunders, president and CEO of First Reliance Bank. “Making your way through school can be challenging — especially if you're committed to staying at the top of your class. We're proud to partner with Francis Marion to help outstanding students with their financial obligations so that they can focus on achieving their academic goals.” To be eligible for the scholarship you must be a business or finance major, a First Reliance Bank customer or an immediate family member of a customer; a graduating senior of any school that banks with First Reliance Bank; a dependent of an employee who works in any South Carolina Bank, or a dependent of a First Reliance Bank employee.  Students are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship has a minimum award of $500 but can be higher depending on endowment fund investment earnings. It is awarded for one year (Fall/Spring) and award recipients can reapply for it each year. The bank accepts applications throughout the year and information is available in First Reliance Bank branches and on its web site, firstreliance.com.