CREATE

What is CREATE? 

Through the South Carolina Department of Education Office of Special Education Services, the CREATE partnership prepares highly qualified professionals who will serve the needs of students with disabilities in South Carolina public schools. 

Full Tuition & Textbook Costs

In collaboration with Columbia College, the CREATE program fully pays full tuition and textbook costs for up to 11 credit hours each semester for participants that are full-time employees in the public schools of SC.

Eligibility 

To be eligible, individuals must:

  • be employed full-time in SC public/charter schools and SCDE-operated programs including Teacher Assistants, non-instructional staff, and central office staff in non-leadership positions.
  • be WITHOUT a Bachelor’s degree. 

All coursework is available online with synchronous meeting times. Required field experiences are coordinated through the school district in which the participant is employed. 

Have Questions? 
Reach Meda Gause at mgause@columbiasc.edu or 803.786.3764.

How to Apply

  1. Interested participants must complete the CREATE application and the Scholarship Loan Agreement found at the SC Department of Education site. 
  2. Once received, CREATE applicants must then complete the application process for special education with Columbia College  
  3. When both steps above are complete, Center Director, Dr. Tracy West, will meet individually to review the Program of Student (POS) that must be submitted to the CREATE office as the final step for eligibility. You can reach Dr. Tracy West at sccreate@columbiasc.edu.

Lifelong Connections

"I never imagined when I joined the CREATE cohort at Columbia College as an online student that I would have the opportunity to form such strong connections with fellow members. Building these relationships has been the greatest form of support during my time in the CREATE program. These are friendships that will last a lifetime."

  • Elizabeth Bradshaw

    Elizabeth Bradshaw

    Online Student

Explore Our Special Ed Degree

We have a strong teaching legacy—guiding educators for nearly 170 years. Our special education major offers a strong curriculum and and consistently boasts high placement rates.