Piedmont Technical College and Newberry College recently signed an articulation agreement that will create a bridge program for students who would like to begin their studies at PTC, and then transfer to Newberry College.

This partnership will offer students in Newberry County, and Piedmont Technical College students as a whole, more options as they prepare for careers. Because PTC is an open-admissions institution, the agreement will provide a seamless transition for those who would like to begin their collegiate career closer to home or an alternative for admission to Newberry College for students who may require some academic preparation.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Newberry College,” said Susan Timmons, vice president of educational affairs at PTC. “This agreement will provide an opportunity that many Piedmont Technical College students never dreamed they could have.”

The agreement is in addition to the course-specific agreement between the Early Child Development program at PTC and the Early Childhood Education program at Newberry. Under that agreement, ECD students can complete up to 72 semester hours at Piedmont Tech then transfer into the ECE program to seek a bachelor’s degree.

“We are finding that more and more students are beginning their college education at the technical colleges, but it is sometimes a difficult process to transfer into a four-year college,” said Dr. Wayne Kannaday, vice president for academic affairs at Newberry College. “Articulation agreements like this allow us to identify specific courses that are required so that the transfer is as smooth as possible.”

Bridge program participants will benefit from an array of services that will improve their transition from PTC to Newberry. Some of these services include admissions counseling with not only PTC advisors, but also Newberry College mentors; waiver of application fee to Newberry; special consideration for scholarship opportunities; and invitations to several recreational, campus and cultural events.

Requirements for participation in the Bridge program are the same as with any transfer student wishing to attend Newberry College. Students must have a minimum of 24 hours completed to transfer and must submit an admissions application and all other standard paperwork in order to be considered.

“Piedmont Technical College offers a starting point for students who wish to seek a four-year degree while saving thousands in tuition costs,” said Jennifer Wilbanks, dean of the Newberry County Center. “Agreements like this provide the pathway for our students to further their education.”

Piedmont Technical College has significantly expanded the number of transfer partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the state over the last two academic years. The college has signed new agreements with eight institutions in the last year, and is actively working toward adding more. Agreements have been reached with the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Lander University, the College of Charleston, Anderson University, Columbia College, Newberry College and more.

Photo Caption: Piedmont Technical College and Newberry College recently signed an articulation agreement that will create a bridge program for students who would like to begin their studies at PTC, and then transfer to Newberry College. Signing the agreement at a recent ceremony are Susan Timmons, vice president for educational affairs at Piedmont Tech, left, and Dr. Wayne Kannaday, vice president for academic affairs at Newberry College.