Students collaborating on technology projects in a classroom setting.
Columbia, SC – In a significant move aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, Columbia College has initiated a partnership called Tech to Teach, designed to facilitate the transition for students from technical colleges into bachelor’s degree programs in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. This announcement was made earlier this week during an event that included representatives from the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) and various college presidents.
Tech to Teach is a collaborative program currently being piloted at seven participating technical colleges across South Carolina. These institutions include 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. The initiative is aimed at students who have completed their Associate in Applied Science degree with a focus on Early Care and Education.
The partnership is significant as it provides a clear pathway for students to further their education without leaving their current jobs or communities. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College entirely through virtual learning. This approach allows them to meet their degree requirements in less than two years while remaining in their districts.
Dr. Kristine Barnett, Executive Vice President and Provost at Columbia College, expressed the institution’s commitment to creating innovative educational pathways. “At Columbia College, we have a passion to educate and equip our students for personal and professional success,” she stated. This program is part of their effort to reach a broader audience, especially those studying in technical colleges, and to address the growing demand for qualified educators in South Carolina.
Students who take part in the Tech to Teach program will receive specialized support, which includes tailored advising and preparation for the PRAXIS exams, essential for teacher certification. This support is designed to ensure that students succeed not just in their degree programs but also in securing their future teaching positions.
Dr. Rosline Sumpter, Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research at SCTCS, highlighted the importance of this partnership in expanding educational access. “By providing a seamless pathway from technical college to a four-year degree in education, we are enhancing access and addressing the critical need for qualified teachers in our communities,” Dr. Sumpter emphasized. The collaboration aims to support not only student success but the overall future of education within the state.
The Tech to Teach partnership is set to be active for five years, beginning on August 15. Currently launched at seven technical colleges, there are plans for future expansion to include all 16 technical colleges in South Carolina to broaden the program’s reach and impact.
In an age where educational needs are evolving rapidly, initiatives like Tech to Teach play a crucial role in preparing a new generation of educators while ensuring that they have the foundational support necessary to succeed. Columbia College and SCTCS are paving the way for a more accessible and efficient academic journey for aspiring educators across South Carolina.
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