Stories

PTC and Laurens School Districts Partner for GEAR UP Initiative

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) tutor Ian Levine understands the students who seek academic help from him. He has been there. “I was a special education student from 4th grade up to college,” he said, having been diagnosed with dyscalculia, a condition likened to math dyslexia in which sufferers have difficulty with a variety of math-related tasks such as counting backwards and performing calculations. Thanks to a federal GEAR UP grant and partnership with Laurens School Districts 55 and 56, Levine is giving back through tutoring and mentorship.

PTC Graduate Exemplifies the ‘Human’ in Human Services

Shandra Aiken Martin was the kind of school bus driver most parents would want their children to ride with. If they sneezed, she said “bless you” and offered a tissue. If they hung their head, she asked what was wrong and took the time to really listen. That kind and intuitive nature suited her well for work in the human services profession, so she took the plunge.

Mechatronics at PTC: 'Knowledge to Last a Lifetime'

Using a hand-held controller, known as a “teach pendant” that somewhat resembles an artist’s palette, Andrew Tokarev deftly manipulates the robotic arm to execute his vision. The 20-year-old Piedmont Technical College (PTC) mechatronics technology student is developing skills that will transport him into a career spanning multiple mediums ― though not painting or sculpture ― that comprise electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and other engineering systems to maximize manufacturing quality and productivity.

PTC Graduates Share Stories in Fall Graduation Video

Piedmont Technical College held a virtual graduation for its fall term graduates on Dec. 17, 2020. The college used the occasion to also recognize all graduates over the past year who have foregone in-person graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The graduation was broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

Two from PTC Receive NISOD Awards

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is proud to announce its recipients of the annual NISOD Excellence Awards. 2021 honorees from PTC are Henry Ecker (faculty/computer technology instructor) and Deshawn Morgan (staff/financial aid counselor).

Newly Available CARES Act Funding Creates Tuition-Free Opportunities at PTC

SC Gov. Henry McMaster’s Jan. 5 announcement providing $19.9 million in emergency CARES Act funding to support education included $8 million for institutions in the SC Technical College System to provide directed job training. As a result, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is offering several certification courses that will be available within 30 days at little or no cost for SC residents over 18.

PTC Student Teacher 'Spreads a Little Sunshine'

It takes generous sunshine to make things grow, and one of student teacher Caroline Falls’ first-graders was excited to report on his project documenting important milestones in his lifetime, that he had proudly grown his first tomato.

Dual Enrollment: 'It's Really Part of Our Culture Now'

When it comes to academic rigor and career development, McCormick High School offers opportunities on par with schools many times its size thanks to a critical partnership with Piedmont Technical College (PTC). The McCormick Middle College, in fact, is just one example of what can be achieved when like-minded organizations partner up to expand opportunity for youth in their communities through college dual enrollment programs.