The enrollment decline is alarming but there’s a place for technical education in SC | Opinion

The 25% decline in South Carolina’s technical college enrollment over the past decade is alarming. Without intervention, our state risks a severe skills gap in critical-needs industries, which will impact our communities, particularly rural areas that rely on the economic stimulus and job creation brought by new businesses and industries.

As the superintendent of the South Carolina Public Charter School District, I see firsthand the importance of our state’s technical colleges.

Last year, we began advocating for the establishment of innovative public charter high schools, similar to Greenville Technical Charter High School, called Workforce Centers of Excellence, across our state’s 16 technical colleges. This year, we will continue our advocacy efforts with Gov. Henry McMaster and the General Assembly on behalf of South Carolina’s families to ensure their students graduate workforce-ready from day one.

These public charter high schools are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, providing students access to advanced training, cutting-edge technology and direct pathways to high-demand careers. By situating these centers on technical college campuses, we can be a force multiplier in providing specialized workforce programs tailored to local industry needs.

The Workforce Centers of Excellence initiative not only addresses enrollment declines at our technical colleges but also ensures our students are prepared for the evolving job market. These schools provide students with the skills necessary for high-paying, fulfilling careers, creating a sustainable workforce pipeline and greater prosperity for our citizens.

Our focus is on providing high school students with educational and experiential opportunities on our technical college campuses to inspire them in their workforce journey. By integrating Workforce Centers of Excellence, we can ensure students earn the necessary certifications, dual enrollment credits and diplomas before they reach the age for full-time employment.

For example, South Carolina has student welders who will earn a high school diploma and workforce credentials in a career field of their choice, all funded through the state’s State Aid to Classrooms funding formula. This eliminates the need for student debt and reduces lost earning potential in full-time post-secondary education, thereby creating a more equitable education system. It also creates another pipeline of students who wish to continue their education, benefiting South Carolina’s economy.

State-of-the-art equipment, facilities, industry-aligned curricula, apprenticeships and expert instructors will guarantee our students receive top-tier education and training before the age of 18.

This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including state legislators, education policymakers, industry leaders and the community at large. By working together, we can create an educational environment that is both innovative and practical, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the modern workforce.

Our district’s proposal for Workforce Centers of Excellence presents a wonderful partnership opportunity for South Carolina’s technical colleges by including more high school students on their campuses.

By adopting the Public Charter School District’s approach, we can amplify technical education and provide our students with the relevant skills they need to thrive in the workforce. Several charter schools are ready, willing and able to participate in this game-changing endeavor.

The flexibility and nimbleness of our charter schools make them uniquely suited to implement innovative programs like the Workforce Centers of Excellence. Charter schools were intentionally designed with autonomy to swiftly adapt to industry needs and develop specialized curricula that prepare students for high-demand careers.

We remain hopeful that more technical colleges, high schools and education policymakers in the state will embrace Workforce Centers of Excellence, supporting South Carolina’s future workforce.

By investing in Workforce Centers of Excellence, we are investing in the future of our state, ensuring our students are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Let us seize this opportunity to create a brighter future for all.