Area schools are about to get a STEM boost thanks to a NASA initiative that kicked off April 16-17 at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Network of States – a collaboration among the nation’s 10 NASA centers to build regional networks for educator professional development – brings together school districts that serve populations underrepresented in STEM, higher education institutions, informal education organizations, government and industry in an effort to provide more opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for middle school students. “The real objective is to help bring the community together in support of the schools,” said Dr. Kimberly Brush, education …

The South Carolina TRiO Alumni Association has named Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College graduate Tawanie Shanks Pointer a 2018 Outstanding Young TRiO Alumni. Pointer, an administrative assistant for the college’s TRiO Student Support Services program, was recognized during the Wanda Hendricks Bellamy Student Leadership Conference Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 13, in Myrtle Beach. This year’s conference theme was “Leadership 20/20: Your Future In Focus.” The WHBSLC Outstanding Young TRiO Alumni Award recognizes TRiO alumni for their accomplishments and service. Award winners have distinguished themselves as leaders among their peers and in their community. Three Outstanding Young TRiO Alumni are recognized each year …

The following individuals have been named honor students for the fall 2017 academic term at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College: President’s List (full-time) Bamberg: Corey Bamberg, Jonathan Peterson, Thompson Pruett Barnwell: Clifton Bodiford, Leigh Davis, Cody Jackson Blythewood: Brittany Smith Bowman: Emerson Littles Branchville: William Edwards, Nathaniel Smith Columbia: Kyle Gero Cope: Michael Brown, Kyle McAlhany Cordova: William Bozard, Caelin Felkel, Cameron Goode Denmark: Cody Spell Early Branch: James Simmons Ehrhardt: David Mundo Elloree: Christian Brown Gaston: Anna Beason Greenwood: Brianna Getsinger Harleyville: Austin All, Casey Nesdahl Holly Hill: Christopher Anderson Irmo: Zachary Thompson Landrum: Annsley Saxon Leesville: Joseph Moore Lexington: John McPhillips Lodge: Adam Martin Neeses: Jeremy Davis, Victoria Linder Nichols: Lonnie McCracken North: Sabrina McMichael Norway: Seth Carroll, Katherine King, Sierra Ryant Orangeburg: Janae Bonaparte, Amanda …

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College has received more than $400,000 from the S.C. General Assembly to revamp and expand its Professional Truck Driver Training program. State Sen. Brad Hutto was on campus Wednesday, Dec. 13, to present the college with a check for $423,129. The money will be used to hire two additional CDL instructors, purchase two new trucks for the college and expand existing infrastructure for the program. OCtech currently enrolls 52 students in its truck driving program. With the additional funds, the college will have the capacity to more than double its enrollment to 120 students. In October, the American …

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 …

Christopher Conrad and Saul Rickenbacker have become the first individuals to complete Husqvarna’s tool and die maker apprenticeship program at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. “I know it’s been a long, hard road for them, working and going to school at the same time,” said Ken Carroll, tool and die supervisor at Husqvarna. “They put a lot of effort into it, and now, we depend on them. They’ve got that foundation, and we’re going to rely on them to train future apprentices. All that they’ve learned, they will be passing on. These guys are assets to us. They are our future.” Conrad …