News Summary
Greenville Technical College has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Partner of the Year title by Clemson University’s College of Education for its partnership in the Expressway to Tiger Town initiative. This program provides high school students a direct path to higher education and aims to address the teacher shortage in the area. With innovative support systems, the program has already attracted the interest of around 40 students and showcases a successful collaboration between local educational institutions.
Greenville Celebrates a Milestone in Education Collaboration
In an exciting development for the community, Greenville Technical College (GTC) has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Partner of the Year title by the Clemson University College of Education. This accolade shines a light on GTC’s innovative partnership with Clemson, particularly through their joint efforts in the Expressway to Tiger Town initiative.
A Pathway to Progress
The Expressway to Tiger Town, which kicked off in 2019, aims to create an accelerated pathway for high school students who want to pursue careers in education. The goal? To help tackle the critical shortage of teachers in the Greenville area. By creating a seamless education pipeline, the initiative allows eager learners to step directly from high school into the world of higher education.
Through this program, students can earn college credits while they are still in high school via dual-credit courses. Once they finish that first year, they’ll transition to a technical school for another year. Finally, they can wrap up their educational journey at Clemson University. And here’s an added bonus: students who wish to go even further can earn a master’s degree by spending just one more year at Clemson!
Currently, the program has captured the interest and commitment of around 40 students, indicating that the hunger for educational opportunities is very much alive in the community.
Supportive Framework
The backbone of this impressive initiative is the collaboration between Greenville County Schools, GTC, and Clemson University. These partnerships are essential in ensuring that students receive the educational support they need while also addressing the pressing issue of the teacher shortage in the region.
Greenville Technical College isn’t stopping there. With approximately 12,000 learners enrolled, GTC is making a significant impact on the lives of many. The GTC Foundation is a major player in this success story, providing scholarships that have assisted over 1,000 students to the tune of more than $1 million in just one year. They have set up more than 200 endowed funds dedicated to supporting various educational needs, ensuring that financial barriers do not stop aspiring students in their tracks.
Looking Out for Students
Understanding that many of its students are navigating transitional life stages while juggling work and education, the GTC Foundation has also established an emergency fund to lend a helping hand. This year alone, they’ve assisted 88 students facing financial difficulties involving rent and utility bills, utilizing an impressive $86,000 from this fund to help keep students afloat.
In terms of financial returns, GTC’s graduates find their education pays off nicely. On average, they can anticipate earning an impressive $7.80 more for every dollar invested in their education!
Innovating for the Future
In 2019, GTC launched the African American Male Scholars Initiative to foster greater academic success among Black male students. Starting with just 30 participants, the initiative has grown exponentially to approximately 400 students— a testament to its effectiveness.
To further enhance its offerings, GTC is currently working on a new Prisma Health Center of Health & Life Sciences. This center will feature ultra-modern learning facilities and cutting-edge technology, positioning GTC at the forefront of educational innovation.
Leadership Transition Ahead
As GTC continues to evolve, it’s worth noting that Dr. Keith Miller, GTC’s president since 2008, is set to retire in 2025, providing an opportunity for new leadership and fresh ideas.
In the past eight years alone, the GTC Foundation has raised over $25 million to support both the college and its students, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
As Greenville Technical College continues to pave the way for aspiring educators and students, the community can rest assured that exciting times lay ahead, with the Expressway to Tiger Town initiative shining brightly as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: GTC Recognized as Clemson Distinguished Partner
- Greenville Online: Foundation Helps Remove Barriers for Students at Greenville Tech
- Upstate Business Journal: Symmes Foundation Grant Boosts GTC’s New Health Education Facility
- WSPA: Greenville Technical College Changes EMT Program
- Greenville Online: Giving Day Helps GTC Foundation Create Scholarships
- Google Search: Greenville Technical College
