An agreement establishing a transfer program between Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and South Carolina State University will not only provide a seamless transition for students between the two institutions but create a partnership that positively impacts local economic development, officials say.

S.C. State President Dr. George Cooper and OCtech President Dr. Anne Crook inked a contract on Thursday establishing the Gateway Program, which will begin this fall. Students in the program must take at least 30 hours of transferable courses at OCtech in order to transition to S.C. State.

"We believe that this initiative shows that our colleges and universities can work together to raise the educational attainment of all students," Crook said.

Dr. Walt Tobin, vice president for academic affairs at OCtech, said the program was designed for students who were denied entry into S.C. State for academic reasons. But the program can also assist those students hampered by financial hardship.

Cooper noted that "it’s going to help the community because of the economic conditions."

He said many aspiring students simply can’t afford the expense of attending a university for four years and the Gateway program provides them with an inexpensive first year of education at OCtech.

Gateway participants will be able to take advantage of services at S.C. State, such as advising and career services, while enrolled at OCtech.

In addition, students in the program can pay additional fees to participate in the S.C. State campus meal plan, attend Bulldog athletic events and visit the university’s infirmary, among other things.

Crook said Gateway students can "still have the experience of becoming a S.C. State Bulldog" while at OCtech.

S.C. State Vice President for Enrollment Management Antonio Boyle said the collaboration allows students to share the resources of both institutions. He said students in the program will be granted a conditional acceptance into S.C. State until the transfer requirements are completed.

Both presidents cited recent economic development projects planned for Orangeburg County, such as the Dubai-based Jafza and World Trade City projects. Cooper said the partnership will help provide the necessary education and professional development to make those new projects successful in the community.

"We need to encourage students in this county to stay in this county," Cooper said.

The partnership will also enable S.C. State and OCtech to collectively seek federal funding in the areas of science, technology, math and engineering, he said.

Crook said OCtech is currently in negotiations to establish another transfer program with S.C. State for students studying in those areas. Crook and Cooper both said it is important to engage local schools to get children interested in science, math and engineering at an early age.

"Because that’s where the future of our country is going to be and certainly in our region," Crook said of those academic areas.

As Crook and Cooper traded signatures on the agreement, Crook said it is important to assist in Orangeburg County’s economic development.

"We’ll do it together," Cooper said.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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