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 highquality 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
