How Erskine's Charter Institute is raising 'global awareness' of S.C. students

Imagine a South Carolina student who graduates high school and lands a job at a manufacturing or tech company in Greenville.

This might sound typical, but now picture that company as a subsidiary of a major British firm listed on the London Stock Exchange. During a visit by a British delegation, attended by our governor and other dignitaries, that same student is part of the welcoming committee. To succeed in that role, the student would need to understand British culture, the company’s stock performance, and the business expectations of the new employers.

This scenario exemplifies the global future that’s already here in South Carolina. Being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, we are a prime destination for international investments, with a booming economy and rapid growth. Alongside these opportunities come challenges in infrastructure, housing, the environment, and living costs. Our state’s future leaders must be prepared to address these complex issues.

It’s crucial that we expand our educational horizons to connect students internationally before they graduate. They need to be aware of global dynamics, learn new languages, study different cultures, engage in exchanges, and prepare for careers with global teams.

The Charter Institute at Erskine recently led a delegation to England through its Education and Immersion Program. We visited some of England’s top-performing charter schools, learning about their teaching methods, best practices, and strategies for boosting student achievement. Our teachers exchanged invaluable ideas with English school leaders to enhance student learning across various subjects.

In meetings with members of Parliament including Ian Paisley Jr., Dame Andrea Jenkyns, and Baroness Nicky Morgan, we saw how their dedication to education and children’s needs drives their efforts to improve school choice. We discovered that England and the U.S. face similar educational challenges. Our teachers were inspired by new approaches to reform, which we can creatively apply in South Carolina.

Meeting English students, teachers, and school leaders helped us to bridge cultural and geographical divides. Despite the distance, we found that their hopes and dreams mirror those of families here. A quality education paves the way to a fulfilling career, financial mobility, and community involvement.

The Charter Institute at Erskine seeks to “move the needle.” Providing high-quality education today transforms our youths into tomorrow’s leaders. Our teachers and school leaders are passionate about their work, dedicated to serving their students every day. We are grateful for this opportunity to learn from our English counterparts. We hope the Institute’s Education and Immersion Program continues to foster professional development and global awareness.

South Carolina’s ability to lead in an interconnected world and global economy depends on it.

David Crook is chief executive officer of the Cyber Academy of South Carolina.