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Exciting New Partnership in Columbia: Tech to Teach Program Launches!

Columbia, SC – Exciting news for students and aspiring educators! Columbia College has announced a brand new partnership called Tech to Teach, aimed at providing a smooth transition for students from technical colleges into Columbia College’s online programs. This initiative is particularly focused on those studying in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

Just this week, Columbia College welcomed representatives from the SC Technical College System (SCTCS) along with presidents from various participating colleges to mark this fantastic collaboration. The best part? The Tech to Teach program is currently being piloted at seven participating technical colleges, including:

Central Carolina Technical College
Denmark Technical College
Midlands Technical College
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Piedmont Technical College
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Tri-County Technical College

“At Columbia College, we have a passion to educate and equip our students for personal and professional success,” said Dr. Kristine Barnett, the Executive Vice President and Provost of Columbia College. “This requires innovative approaches to teaching and learning.” With a rich history of training some of the state’s finest teachers, the college has continually embraced creative methods to produce high-quality educators.

Since 2018, Columbia College has been running its Alternative Pathways for Educator Certification (APEC) Program, which assists district employees in obtaining their teaching certification. This new Tech to Teach partnership expands their vision, introducing fresh pathways for students at South Carolina Technical Colleges.

Students who have completed an Associate in Applied Science with a major in Early Care and Education from one of the participating colleges will now have the amazing opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Arts in either Early Childhood Education or Special Education from Columbia College. Best of all, this will be through virtual learning, allowing students to stay in their local communities while pursuing their degrees. Imagine being able to earn your degree in less than two years—how great is that?

Participation in this program comes with additional benefits too, including specialized support in advising and preparation for the PRAXIS exam, which is essential for educators.

Dr. Rosline Sumpter, the Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research at SCTCS, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The Tech to Teach partnership is a testament to our commitment to expanding opportunities for students across South Carolina.” She highlighted that this initiative doesn’t just enhance access to education—it addresses the pressing need for qualified teachers in communities across the state.

Launched on August 15, the Tech to Teach partnership is set to run for five years. So far, it’s rolling out at seven technical colleges with plans for expansion to the remaining nine colleges in the upcoming years. This is a fantastic development for not only students but for the future of education in South Carolina!

As the state embarks on this new journey towards better educational pathways, students and educators alike should feel encouraged. With initiatives like Tech to Teach, we’re hopeful that more passionate individuals will enter the field of education, positively impacting the next generation.