PTC, USC Aiken Create a New Gateway for Students

Piedmont Technical College and USC Aiken recently signed two agreements that will make it easier for students to pursue their bachelor’s degree - an articulation agreement that will provide a new gateway for students who would like to enter the field of early childhood education and a Bridge Program intended to make the transition to the University as uncomplicated as possible.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with USC Aiken,” said Ashley Hollingsworth, program coordinator for early care and education at PTC. “This agreement will provide an opportunity for many Piedmont Technical College students.”

“This agreement enables students to seamlessly participate in upper division programs at USC Aiken, grounded in the work that they’ve done [at Piedmont Technical College],” said Dr. Tom Hallman, chancellor at USC Aiken. “There are a considerable number of other opportunities embedded in this that will continue the prospects that we’ve put in place over the years.”

After completing Piedmont Technical College’s early childhood education courses, participating students will be able to transfer to USC Aiken to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, provided that they meet the admissions requirements.

“With the addition of the USC Aiken early childhood articulation agreement, the ECD program of PTC can provide more options for students who are looking for a practical, cost-effective way to begin their college careers in early childhood education,” said Hollingsworth. “With this pathway to teacher certification in place, students have the opportunity to begin early childhood coursework closer to home, on a more flexible schedule, and then transfer seamlessly to USC Aiken to complete the Bachelor’s degree within four semesters.”

Bridge program participants will benefit from an array of services that will improve their transition from PTC to USC Aiken.

The Bridge program will offer Piedmont Technical College students more options as they prepare for careers. The agreement will provide a seamless transition for those who would like to begin their college careers closer to home. Because PTC is an open-admissions institution, it will also offer students who may require some academic preparation an alternative for admission to USC Aiken.

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

“This pathway is a great opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Ray Brooks, president of PTC. “Synergies like these that combine the strengths of institutions like ours and USC Aiken’s are ultimately to the benefit our students, our communities and ultimately our societies. We all understand how critical higher education is to our collective success, so the more pathways we can provide to get there, the better.”

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.

For more information on the ECD program or transfer opportunities in early childhood education, contact Hollingsworth at (864) 941- 8787 or hollingsworth.a@ptc.edu. For more information on the transfer options available at Piedmont Technical College, visit www.ptc.edu/academics/transfer.

Photo Caption: Piedmont Technical College and USC Aiken recently signed two agreements that will make it easier for students to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Attending the signing ceremony were, front from left, Dr. Tom Hallman, chancellor at USC Aiken; and Dr. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Technical College. Second, Dr. Suzanne Ozment, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at USC Aiken; Dr. Jeff Priest, dean of USC Aiken School of Education; Evelyn Beck, interim dean of arts and sciences at PTC; and Sissy Copeland, dean of business information technologies and public service at PTC. Back, Dr. Donna Foster, associate vice president of institutional assessment and compliance at PTC; Ashley Hollingsworth, program coordinator for early care and education at PTC; Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, dean of county campuses; and Susan Timmons, vice president for educational affairs at PTC.