October 24, 2024
On October 24, 2024, Columbia College welcomed SC Technical College System (SCTCS) representatives as well as presidents from many of the participating institutions (Central Carolina Technical College, Denmark Technical College, Midlands Technical College, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Piedmont Technical College, Technical College of the Lowcountry, and Tri-County Technical College) to announce the “Tech to Teach” partnership. The partnership is designed to enhance the preparation and transfer of students from SCTCS colleges to Columbia College’s online programs in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. The partnership is currently available as a pilot program at the seven participating colleges with plans for future expansion.
Executive Vice President and Provost of Columbia College, Dr. Kristine Barnett, shared, “At Columbia College, we have a passion to educate and equip our students for personal and professional success, which requires innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Columbia College has been educating some of the state’s finest teachers for decades, using creative methods to graduate high-quality educators. Since 2018, our Alternative Pathways for Educator Certification (APEC) Program has been aiding district employees in acquiring their teaching certification. Our goal with ’Tech to Teach’ was to widen our reach, providing new pathways for a new audience: South Carolina Technical College students. With the help of SCTCS, we were able to make that goal a reality.”
Per the agreement, SCTCS students who have completed the Associate in Applied Science, with a major in Early Care and Education from a participating SC Technical College, will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education or Special Education from Columbia College. Completion of the bachelor’s degree at Columbia College will be through virtual learning methods, allowing students to remain in their districts while completing their degree requirements in less than two years. Students participating in this partnership will receive specialized support in advising and PRAXIS exam preparation while at the technical college. The “Tech to Teach” partnership will have a direct and meaningful impact on the educational journeys of SCTCS students seeking a career in education.
“The ‘Tech to Teach’ partnership is a testament to our commitment to expanding opportunities for students across South Carolina. By providing a seamless pathway from technical college to a four-year degree in education, we are not only enhancing access but also addressing the critical need for qualified teachers in our communities. This collaboration reflects our dedication to student success and the future of education in our state,” said the Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research at SCTCS, Dr. Rosline Sumpter.
The “Tech to Teach” partnership became effective on August 15, 2024, and will remain in effect for five years. The partnership is being launched at seven technical colleges with expansion to all 16 technical colleges in subsequent years.
About Columbia College
Founded in 1854, Columbia College educates women and men to build successful careers and live lives of impact. The College’s liberal arts foundation ensures that students learn to think critically, develop their curiosity, and nurture a love for learning. With a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Columbia College students benefit from individualized support, engaged instruction, and personal mentorship. With more than 30 undergraduate programs and eight graduate programs, students can discover and pursue their passion and purpose.
About the SC Technical College System
Comprised of 16 colleges located strategically across the state and two internationally-renowned statewide programs: readySC™ and Apprenticeship Carolina™, the SC Technical College System is dedicated to furthering economic and workforce development in South Carolina. As the state’s largest higher education system, the SC Technical System serves more than 134,000 South Carolinians each year and educates nearly half of all South Carolina undergraduates attending a public college or university. Dedicated to making a quality higher education both accessible and affordable, the System plays a key role in educating and training South Carolina’s workforce for the in-demand, high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. In addition, the System’s internationally-recognized statewide programs – readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina – work to attract new companies to the state as well as provide comprehensive workforce solutions to ensure they stay and grow here. By making a quality higher education accessible, affordable and relevant to the people of South Carolina, the SC Technical College System is preparing our state’s workforce for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.