Piedmont Tech to Begin Middle College in McCormick

Beginning in the fall, Piedmont Technical College will launch a partnership with McCormick County Schools that will provide a significant jump-start for students. With the fall term, McCormick High School seniors will have the opportunity to enroll in the new Middle College program.

“This partnership provides one more opportunity for the students in McCormick County,” said Shelby Dominick, dual enrollment director at Piedmont Tech.

Students enrolled in the program will attend classes at the new McCormick County Center and will graduate with 24 credit hours in many of the required general education courses. All of the courses will transfer to any public college or university in South Carolina as well as many private institutions.

The idea for the middle college came from John Greene, McCormick High School principal, and was fully supported by Dr. Earlean Smiley, superintendent of schools.

“Dr. Smiley came to South Carolina from Florida and this is a concept she is very familiar with,” said Dominick. “It was a concept she was very eager to see offered in McCormick County.”

Dominick said the requirements for enrolling in the middle college program are the same as for any student enrolling in dual enrollment classes at Piedmont Tech. Students must complete a registration form; they must submit an appropriate SAT or ACT test score or take the placement test; and they must register for classes. With the partnership, there will be no costs to the students and transportation will be provided.

The middle college program is geared toward rising seniors, but Dominick said they hope to expand it to include juniors in the near future. Dual enrollment classes in the health sciences area will still be offered along with the middle college classes.

“We are very excited about this partnership and being able to offer more options to the students,” Dominick said. “This is very promising for McCormick County. Kudos to Mr. Greene and Dr. Smiley for being so proactive.”

For more information on the dual enrollment program, contact Dominick at (864) 941-8397 or check out the website at www.ptc.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment.