Take your future into your own hands with Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College’s Early College.
In Early College, high school students can choose from three different options:
- Dual enrollment courses count toward both high school and college transcripts.
- Concurrent enrollment courses are taken on a student’s own time while they are still in high school to enhance transfer opportunities and career interests.
- Career pathway courses build toward an in-demand degree, diploma, certificate or other credential.
The High School for Health Professions was the first to be introduced to OCtech’s new Early College during an open house Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the college. The event featured campus tours, program exhibits, special demonstrations and more.
For years, local high schools have offered Middle College courses to select juniors and seniors through OCtech. Students were invited to participate by their high school guidance counselor.
Middle College will transition into and become an integral part of Early College this spring, President Dr. Walt Tobin said.
“Early College offers a closer-managed college experience for high school students than Middle College did,” he said. “Students will work in conjunction with their high school guidance counselor and an OCtech college advisor to map out the best route for them to achieve their academic and career goals, but parents and students now have the option to initiate and play a more active role in the process.”
“This goes beyond simply taking courses to enter college as a second-semester freshman – although Early College students who complete their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees at OCtech are often guaranteed admission to a number of South Carolina colleges and universities, including South Carolina State University and Claflin University,” Tobin said. “High school students can also choose to work toward a degree, diploma, certificate or industry-recognized credential from OCtech and be prepared to enter the workforce sooner in a number of high-demand careers.”
With Early College, students save money, get a jumpstart on their degrees, familiarize themselves with the demands of and experience a smoother transition into college, become competitive in the college application process, and graduate from high school ready for further postsecondary education, competitive employment, military careers, independent and community living, and citizenship.
While the HSHP is the first local high school to partner with OCtech’s Early College, all area high schools are invited to speak with the college about offering the option to their students. Students and their parents are also encouraged to seek out more information by contacting Deborah Cooper-Davis at 803.535.1409 or davisdl@octech.edu.
OCtech’s spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 8.
